Casino Tribes’ Donations Highlight Controversy Over California’s Fantasy Sports Crackdown

Donations From Native American Tribes Draw Attention to California Attorney General Rob Bonta

Recently, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has come under scrutiny after receiving over $100,000 in campaign contributions from Native American tribes that operate casinos. These donations were made just months before Bonta’s office declared that daily fantasy sports contests violate California law.

Tribal Support Amid Legal Action Against Fantasy Sports

The financial support from the tribes occurred between late 2023 and mid-2024. These groups have a long-standing opposition to online fantasy sports companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel. The tribes argue that these platforms directly compete with their casinos by providing gambling options under the guise of skill-based games, without adhering to gambling regulations.

In a formal announcement in 2025, Attorney General Bonta classified fantasy sports as a modern form of sports betting, which is prohibited under state law. His declaration implied that daily fantasy sports operators were engaging in illegal gambling activities, aligning with the tribes’ efforts to limit their online competition.

Bonta’s office stated there was no conflict of interest concerning the donations. According to his spokesperson, contributions from the fantasy sports industry were declined during the review period, and accepting funds from tribes was deemed appropriate since they were not subjects of the inquiry. The tribal donors expressed their perspectives on an issue of public concern, the campaign noted.

Ethical Concerns Arise as Tribal Groups Achieve Victory Over Online Fantasy Platforms

The timing of the tribal donations has raised ethical questions. Tribal gaming organizations have for years pressured California officials to regulate fantasy sports more strictly, asserting that these platforms divert billions in wagers away from regulated casinos. Following Bonta’s ruling, tribal leaders praised the decision and called for swift enforcement to shut down fantasy sports operations within the state.

This dispute highlights deeper conflicts in California’s gambling industry. Tribal casinos hold exclusive rights to many forms of gaming under state agreements and view daily fantasy sports platforms as direct threats to their market dominance. Meanwhile, representatives for DraftKings and FanDuel maintain that fantasy sports contests involve skill and should not be governed by traditional gambling laws.

Bonta’s stance continues a broader trend of cracking down on unregulated betting activities, such as sweepstakes and prediction markets. He has emphasized that his office is legally obligated to address gambling issues when requested.

With enforcement actions on the horizon, California could become one of the most restrictive states for fantasy sports operators. For tribal casinos, the recent decision marks a significant win in their long-standing efforts to control the state’s lucrative gambling market.