SCA 6 (Dodd) Sports Wagering

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SCA 6 (Dodd) is another broken promise with tribes

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a time when tribes are beginning recovery, a bill has been introduced that would expand Nevada-style games to card rooms in urban areas. SCA 6 would effectively repeal Tribal exclusive gaming rights, which was affirmed by 65% of California voters in March 2000 through Proposition 1A. As written, SCA 6 is another broken promise with tribes.

Tribal leaders recognize the state’s need for new revenues because of the COVID-19 crisis, but SCA 6 condones and provides constitutional protection to the illegal banked games card rooms have been conducting in plain sight, otherwise SCA 6 would not need to amend the California Constitution. Instead of empowering tribes to respond to this unprecedented crisis, this bill would further destabilize tribal governments by taking vital governmental revenues away from tribes and their local communities and shifting them to corporate card rooms.

Although SCA 6 would authorize brick and mortar sports wagering, the legalization of online sports wagering works against the efforts of brick and mortar facilities to protect their investments and create California jobs. There are also serious public policy issues to consider and thoroughly vet before legalizing use of mobile phones and tablets to place bets.

Please see the following letters of opposition for SCA 6 (Dodd) by law enforcement, educational, and non profit organizations throughout the State:

Law Enforcement

Riverside Sheriffs Association

San Diego Police Officers Association

San Bernardino Safety Employees Benefit Association

Yolo County Sheriff

Sonoma County Sheriffs Office

Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County

Government

Riverside County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District

Southwest Legislative Council

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District

City of Rohnert Park