By Katelyn Rafferty–
The Citrus Heights City Council on Thursday will consider taking a formal position in opposition to an upcoming state ballot measure that seeks to allow and tax sports betting at horse racetracks and tribal casinos.
According to draft wording of a resolution opposing the ballot measure included in the council’s June 9 agenda packet, the measure could hurt local cardrooms like Stones Gambling Hall, if passed.
“[T]he language of the initiative gives tribal casinos an advantage on gaming and sports betting at the expense of cardrooms operating in the state,” the draft resolution reads, also noting that “cardrooms provide critical economic resources to the City of Citrus Heights, including substantial tax revenue.”
The initiative, titled the California Legalize Sports betting on American Lands Initiative, is slated to be on the November 2022 election ballot. The State Attorney General released an official title and summary for the measure, stating the following:
- Allows federally recognized Native American tribes to operate roulette, dice games, and sports wagering on tribal lands, subject to compacts negotiated by the Governor and ratified by the Legislature.
- Beginning in 2022, allows on-site sports wagering at only privately operated horse-racing tracks in four specified counties for persons 21 years or older.
- Imposes 10% tax on sports-wagering profits at horse-racing tracks; directs portion of revenues to enforcement and problem-gambling programs.
- Prohibits marketing of sports wagering to persons under 21.
- Authorizes private lawsuits to enforce other gambling laws.
Proponents of the measure claim it will help stamp out illegal gambling and generate new jobs, with regulations to ensure no underage gambling would take place. In addition, tax revenue would be used to help targeted state programs.
Supporters are generally associated with tribal groups, with opponents largely from casinos. Several other similar ballot measures have also been proposed.
In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overruled federal prohibitions on sports betting, as reported by Cal Matters. The decision is now left to each state to decide, with many states like Arizona, Nevada and Washington already legalizing the activity.
The City Council will take up the matter during their June 9 council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at Citrus Heights City Hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. Comments can be emailed to the city council at citycouncil@citrusheights.net, or be sent to the city clerk at cityclerk@citrusheights.net, to be read aloud during the council meeting.
