California Voters Show Tepid Support for Sports Betting Legalization, Politico Surveys Find

Polling Results: Strong Support Remains Low

A Politico poll conducted in August 2025 found that just 25% of voters strongly support legalization. The remaining 75% range from neutral to opposed, leaving backers with little margin for error.

Because legalization in California would almost certainly require approval through a statewide referendum, that weak level of enthusiasm is viewed as a critical challenge.

A separate survey run with the Citrin Center and Possibility Lab (1,400 registered voters, July 28–Aug. 12) provided more detail. It found 60% of respondents were open to the idea of legalizing online betting:

• 25% said it should already be legal and called the effort “long overdue.”

• 35% said legalization “might make sense” but stressed they needed more information.

Among those unconvinced, 40% expressed concerns about gambling addiction. Roughly 21% said they were wary, while 19% called legalization a “huge mistake.”

Men showed greater interest than women in legal sports betting. 64% of men said they were open to legalization, compared to 55% of women.

Political and Tribal Context

California’s history with sports betting has been marked by failed attempts and tribal opposition. In 2022, both Prop 26 (tribal-led retail betting) and Prop 27 (online betting backed by commercial operators) were defeated by wide margins. The clash between tribes and operators, along with heavy voter skepticism, left the market closed.

Since then, tribal leaders have solidified their stance: any future model must be tribal-led, with commercial operators playing a secondary role. Sources suggest 2026 is unlikely for a return to the ballot, with 2028 now seen as the earliest realistic target for a tribal-backed online proposal.

Before voters consider legalization again, state officials and tribes are tightening enforcement against grey-market products. In July, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an opinion declaring paid daily fantasy sports contests illegal. Lawmakers also advanced AB 831, banning dual-currency sweepstakes platforms.