It seems like the drama when it comes to California sports betting isn't going to be going anywhere in the near future. However, might people in the state be opening up a little bit to the idea of things coming through sooner rather than later? It seems like citizens are a bit split, as the latest updates are indicating that in-person California sports betting is growing in buzz. That's the good news. However, the bad news is that people still seem to be quite against online sports betting coming in.

Why? One of the main reasons for this is because the opposition still continues to be quite worried about gambling addiction becoming a major problem for California. According to a new poll conducted by Citrin-POLITICO, it was revealed that more than 50 percent of people who are getting ready to vote this fall claimed that they'd be open to the idea of in-person sports betting. However, not many people were in favor of online sports betting. Matter of fact, things weren't even close.

"However, the idea of interactive gambling is not entirely foreign to state residents, with 37% suggesting that they would vote in favor of internet sports wagering in the Golden State were it to be put forward," reporter Jerome García wrote in a new piece. "This is good news for Californian tribes, who would be able to expand their operational reach and generate fresh revenue, all while retaining their exclusivity over much of the state’s gaming business."

Garcia makes a good point there, but this is still a bit concerning that people still are not on board when it comes to online options being present. In order for things to potentially move forward, it's clear that the right kind of sports betting bill needs to arrive for everyone to get on the same page. While in-person sports betting would be a great start, online options are still needed. It will be interesting to see if things end up happening for both in 2027 or not.

Prediction markets are still on the rise in California for sports fans

With sports betting being illegal in the state, it won't be a surprise for people to learn that prediction markets are still on the rise in California for sports fans. With the prediction markets being regulated at the Federal level, people in California are fully allowed to go through Kalshi, PolyMarket, and others for their sports betting needs.

This time of the year is always going to be popular for sports betting too, as the MLB World Series is here, the NBA season just started, including for the Sacramento Kings, and the NFL betting season is in full swing too. Don't forget too that NHL betting is popular in the fall and winter as well, as hockey continues to grow in popularity not just in California, but all over the USA too.

With that said, it's easy to see why so many people in California would be interested in sports betting finally making its way to the state. As of this writing nearly 40 states have approved legal sports betting, with 33 authorizing online sports betting as well. California not being on either list is a major disappointment, no question.

California officials continue to fight to get prediction markets banned in the state

Another reason to try to get sports betting legalized in California soon? It's because California officials continue to fight to get prediction markets banned in the state. This has been a total 'gray area' in recent months, as several lawsuits have been filed across the country to see if prediction markets can be regulated on a per-state basis.

Since that's done Federally, there's nothing that states can do to block this. However, some states have had success in getting them banned through the courts system, which is exactly what California is hoping to get done ASAP. With no legal sports betting, prediction markets being available essentially works against everything the state has worked against.

From our chair, a fix would be for at minimum in-person sports betting to arrive to give people in The Golden State an option, but the problem would be that if no online sports betting outlets are available, then people would still rely on the prediction markets. This is something that California needs to figure out, as quite fast.