New Survey Shows California Online Sports Betting Initiative Not Favored By Voters

• The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed likely state voters on various propositions on upcoming November ballot
• Among surveyed likely voters, only 34% plan to vote for the online sports betting ballot initiative
• Voters were not surveyed on the retail sports betting proposition also on the ballot

The state general election is eight weeks out and the latest data from a survey of potential voters shows California online sports betting may be in trouble.

The Public Policy Institute of California, an independent and nonpartisan research institute, published results of a statewide survey today of California voters and the majority of likely voters do not plan to vote in favor of an online sports betting initiative.

The PPIC based their findings on a survey of 1,750 California adult residents conducted from Sept. 2 to 11.

Prop 27 Not Favored by Voters in Survey

The survey polled 1,750 likely California voters on their opinions of Prop 27, the “California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act,” which aims to legalize California online sports betting for operators partnered with California Tribes. Prop 27 calls for a 10% tax on online sports betting, with 85% of tax revenues going to programs to help solve homelessness and those that support mental health. The remaining 15% of the tax revenues would be earmarked for California tribes not partnered with an operator.

The survey results found that if the election were held today, 34 percent of likely voters would vote “yes” on Prop 27, 54 percent would vote “no,” and 12 percent would be unsure of how they would vote.

Among partisan voters, the survey results found a strong majority of Republicans (21%) would vote “no,” compared to half of polled Democrats and independents. Only 34% of polled Democrats and 40% of independents said they would vote in favor of Prop 27.

Regionally, majorities in the Inland Empire, Orange/San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area responded they would vote “no” on the proposition, while likely voters in the Central Valley and Los Angeles are divided.

The only likely voters for Prop 27, according to the survey results, are voters age 18 to 44 (52%) and renters (51%).

The survey did not poll voters on their thoughts on Prop 26, the “Tribal Sports Wagering Act,” which would legalize retail sports betting for California Tribal Casinos and four state racetracks.

Republicans and Democrats Both Against Prop 27

The survey results fall in line with both the California Democratic and Republican parties, which both have come out in opposition of Prop 27.

The California Democratic Party remains neutral on Prop 26, while the California Republican Party has come out against Prop 26 as well.

In August, four top California Democrats and GOP lawmakers announced their opposition to the online sports betting initiative. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D – Lakewood), Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D – San Diego), Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R – Nicolaus) and Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R – Santa Clarita) released a joint statement condemning Proposition 27 and its support of out-of-state sports betting companies.