Victor Rocha, an influential voice in the Indian Gaming Association and host of The New Normal, shares insights on the California sports betting debate. He criticizes the new ballot measure, calling it “smoke and mirrors” aimed at driving a wedge between gaming and non-gaming tribes in California.
Rocha believes that the approach to sports betting in California should be different because the support for in-person betting is weak, and there is little enthusiasm for mobile betting. He suggests a slow and steady approach, starting with mobile betting gradually and revisiting the issue later to ensure a safe and sustainable market.
The new ballot measure disrupts the tribal plans, as they were preparing for a renewed push in 2026 after using 2024 as a runway year. This ongoing culture clash between a sound approach to sustainable gaming and misconceptions about blocking measures complicates the situation.
As California tribes own gaming in the state, Rocha, along with his business partner Gene Johnson, is working on determining a viable model for sports betting. They have a deep understanding of the state’s dynamics and urge the commercial industry to support their plan and let them take the lead.
