A few days ago we published an article on the California tribes and other competing interests for the sports betting market. And while we’re happy to report any progress in what seems like an impossibly convoluted situation, it seems that the excitement may have been premature. Now, tribal leaders themselves have released a statement which indicated there is still a long way to go before any sort of agreement.

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) released a joint statement which makes it clear that tribes and commercial entities have not come to any sort of agreement on a California sports betting plan. Additionally, while they feel the recent meetings have been productive, any suggestion of an agreement is false.

“Tribal leaders are offended that the Sports Betting Alliance invited a reporter into what was intended to be a private roundtable discussion among tribal leaders regarding this controversial issue… ” the statement from the California tribes read in part. Continuing, they added that the reports of an agreement were a breach of trust, and that the false report shows why these discussions “…must be led by tribal governments and organizations, rather than operator-funded groups.”

Tribal officials have clarified that while no such deal has been reached, further discussions among tribal governments are expected to continue over the coming weeks and months. The process of establishing an acceptable framework and governance model is expected to take considerable time, as it involves navigating a complex landscape of federal, state, and tribal laws. Leaders withing the California tribes emphasized that thorough debate and careful resolution will be required to address the issues at hand.