Legal Sports Betting in California Faces Setback
Efforts to legalize sports betting in California have been met with numerous obstacles in recent years. Despite the challenges, supporters of legal sports wagering were determined to see it through, with an initiative slated for the 2024 Ballot gaining momentum. One of the key players in this effort was Eagle1 Acquisitions Corp. LLC, co-founded by Reeve Collins and Kasey Thompson.
A Promising Start with High Hopes
Kasey Thompson, a strong advocate for the initiative, initially had plans to collect the necessary signatures to get the sports betting proposal on the ballot. This endeavor required 874,641 valid signatures, and Thompson expressed confidence in his company's ability to obtain 1.2 million signatures from Californians. However, he acknowledged that the backing of the state's tribal communities was essential for the initiative's success.
A Sudden Change of Plans
In a recent announcement reported by PlayUSA, Kasey Thompson revealed his decision to abandon the initiative due to resistance from tribal groups and a lack of overall support. He had initially aimed for the proposal to benefit the tribes, but instead, it appeared to be causing division among them.
Thompson stated, "This initiative was supposed to be for the tribes but is only causing division. That was never my intent. I see now the needed unity is not coming, and so I'm standing good to my word and not moving forward."
Insufficient Tribal Support
While initially garnering support from four tribes, Thompson had hoped to rally more to his cause. Unfortunately, he cited insufficient backing from California's tribes, with significant opposition from the state's three major tribal groups impeding progress. Despite the company's readiness to print 1.2 million petitions, this step was never initiated due to mounting opposition from tribal entities.
An Uncertain Future for Legal Sports Betting
With Eagle1 Acquisitions Corp. LLC withdrawing its initiative, the fate of legal sports betting in California remains uncertain. If another entity attempts a similar path, time is running out for negotiations with the state's tribes and signature collection. An alternative route for legalizing sports betting may involve legislative action by lawmakers.