The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians launched California's first retail sportsbook on November 12, even though sports betting remains illegal statewide. Grove Sportsbook at Casino Pauma in San Diego County opened with eight self-service kiosks accepting cash wagers on professional and college sports for guests 18 and older. Winnings are redeemable at the casino cage.
The tribe operates under federal Secretarial Procedures issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior in July 2025, not a conventional tribal-state compact. The federal government established these rules after California refused to accept a mediator-proposed compact in October 2024. Under the arrangement, the tribe holds primary regulatory responsibility with additional oversight from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).
The 43-page procedures document does not expressly authorize sports betting. It limits the tribe to Class III games listed in Section 4 — gaming devices, banking card games, lotteries and other Class III gaming allowed by California. Section 4.1(e) requires the tribe to notify NIGC at least 60 days before introducing additional Class III games. Whether the tribe considers sports wagering covered by its existing authorization and whether it submitted the required notification remains unclear.
California voters last weighed in on sports betting four years ago. Proposition 26, which would have legalized retail sports wagering at tribal casinos and certain racetracks, drew 33% support. Proposition 27 for online betting received around 18%.
Pauma's move contrasts with other California tribes. Some, including Blue Lake Rancheria and Chicken Ranch Rancheria, have sued prediction market operators and secured geofencing orders for their lands. Others have partnered with Kalshi — Greenville Rancheria, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation and Alturas Indian Rancheria launched tribal prediction market platforms.
California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Chair James Siva said tribes are preparing a tribally led initiative for the 2028 election cycle.
