The One About California Sports Wagering

CASINO NEWS

Lessons from the Trenches: FanDuel's California Conundrum

Hey there, fellow Sunowners!

In today's edition of The Sundowner, we're diving into a tale of ambition, setbacks, and valuable lessons from none other than FanDuel's CEO, Amy Howe and California Tribal Gaming.

So, grab your favorite drink, and let's unravel this story.

At the recent Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow & Conference in sunny Anaheim, Howe took the stage with a refreshing dose of honesty.

Remember Proposition 27, the sports-betting initiative that crashed and burned in California back in 2022?

Yep, Howe called it a "spectacular fail." But hey, who doesn't love a good comeback story?

Howe brought out a prop that caught everyone's eye: a card with "No on 27, a bad deal for California," and a big, fat X over FanDuel and DraftKings. Talk about owning your mistakes!

The key takeaway? If sports wagering is going to be a thing in California, it's going to be hand-in-hand with the Tribes.

After all, they've been killin it with Class III gaming for a quarter of a century.

It's all about recognition and acknowledging the sovereign rights of Tribes.

Jacob Mejia, the session moderator and a Public Affairs Official with the Pechanga Development Corporation, highlighted the importance of being present and available for business in California.

And with the tribes firmly in control, any future expansion of gaming will need their nod of approval.

James Siva from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians put it bluntly: "The expansion of gaming is going to happen. It's a matter of when, not where. But when that does happen, tribes will remain in control in California."

Howe stressed that FanDuel isn't just about the money; it's about building partnerships with people and respecting unique cultures, especially in California.

"California can and should be the greatest market in the world for sports betting," she said, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach.

So, what's the moral of the story?

It's all about learning from past mistakes, being patient, and listening.

As Siva put it, "We know where we want to go. We've seen efforts in the past come in and divide and conquer tribes that weren't successful. We don't forget, we remember, and that's not going to work again."

That's it for today's dose of industry insights!

What do you think about sports wagering’s future in California?

Hit reply and let us know your thoughts!

Until next time,

Johnny B.

LEADERSHIP

🌟 Leadership: Unlock Your Inner Liter, I mean Leader 🌟

Happy Thirsty Thursday! As we sip our drinks, let's chat about something we all strive for – being better leaders. Whether you're leading a team, a project, or just trying to lead yourself, we've got some fresh insights to kickstart your week.

1. The "I" in Leadership: Contrary to the old saying, there's an "I" in disengaged, but not in team. Your role as a leader directly impacts your team's engagement. So, set the tone, create a culture, and watch the magic happen.

2. Strengths Over Weaknesses: Here's a wild idea – focus on what you're good at. Instead of sweating over your weaknesses, harness your strengths. It's like choosing between a perfectly brewed coffee and a burnt one. Easy choice, right?

3. Trust, Compassion, Stability, Hope: These aren't just feel-good words; they're what your team craves. Be the leader who provides these, and you'll have a team that's more like a loyal coffee club than just coworkers.

4. The Seven Wonders of Leadership: Build relationships, develop people, lead change, inspire, think critically, communicate clearly, and create accountability. Master these, and you're not just a leader; you're a leadership barista, crafting the perfect blend of skills.

5. What's Your Leadership Flavor? Forget the labels. Whether you're a transformational leader or a coaching leader, it's all about how you use your strengths to brew the best results.

🔥 Hot Take: Leadership isn't about fitting into a mold; it's about breaking it and making your own. So, as you tackle the week ahead, remember to lead with your strengths, and the rest will follow.

Until next time, keep downing greatness!

Here's to many more editions filled with insights, laughter, and success.

Cheers,

Johnny B.