DraftKings, FanDuel Executives Aim to Partner with California Tribes

DraftKings and FanDuel signaled a shift in their approach toward California tribes, acknowledging past mistakes and expressing a commitment to collaboration. Speaking at the Indian Gaming Association’s annual convention in San Diego on Monday, they emphasized the importance of working alongside tribal nations to establish a sustainable sports betting market in California.

Revisiting Past Strategies

DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and FanDuel Group President Christian Genetski were featured in a discussion moderated by IGA conference chairman Victor Rocha. Their participation marked a significant moment, as it followed their companies’ high-profile—and ultimately unsuccessful—attempts to competing sports betting ballot measures in California over two years ago.

The 2022 initiatives saw gaming operators invest hundreds of millions of dollars in a battle over the future of sports betting in the state. One proposal sought to legalize retail wagering exclusively for tribes and racetracks, while the other pushed for corporate-backed online sports betting. Both measures were overwhelmingly rejected by voters, leading the operators to reconsider their strategy.

Rocha facilitated an hour-long discussion on the value of partnerships between gaming companies and tribes, highlighting the strategic advantages such alliances could provide. While tribal leaders remain open to potential collaborations, they have not indicated when they might revisit a sports betting ballot measure.

Genetski was asked whether operators might pursue another ballot initiative against tribal interests. In response, he stated, “it’s safe to say” that the companies have no intention of taking an adversarial approach this time. Instead, he reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside tribes.

“We’ve said that we still believe that a solution for California creates winners across the board and, most importantly, creates a real generational opportunity for tribes in California,” Genetski said. “We know that conversation needs to be driven and led by the tribes. We continue to say that we’re available to share any and all of our information to be helpful in finding a framework that starts on a principle of tribal sovereignty, ownership, and wealth creation.”

Robins, reflecting on DraftKings’ evolution since he last attended the IGA conference nearly a decade ago, acknowledged the unique nature of California’s gaming landscape. He underscored the necessity of tribal partnerships, emphasizing that the state’s economic scale makes it a crucial market for long-term growth.

“No other state out there has more ability to impact our long-term growth than California,” Robins stated. “If California were a country, it would be the third or fourth largest economy in the world. Tribal relationships are absolutely essential and it’s the only way to do it here.”

Industry Perspectives on Sovereignty

During the discussion, Rocha pointed out that some gaming companies have historically failed to respect tribal sovereignty. He specifically contrasted FanDuel and DraftKings with competitors like MGM and BetMGM, which he accused of opposing tribal rights.

“I believe you guys, because I’ve been on both sides of the fence with you,” Rocha said. “If you understand sovereignty, that helps you understand the world. Some companies, like MGM and BetMGM, have made their entire identity fighting sovereignty. To me, companies like that don’t get a .”

Robins acknowledged that mistakes have been made in the past but emphasized DraftKings’ commitment to learning and improving its approach. He stressed that genuine partnerships require ongoing efforts to build trust and respect tribal interests.

Rocha noted that tribal gaming strategies vary across states. Some tribes prefer to operate online sports betting independently, leveraging their own brands and technology, while others seek partnerships with major gaming operators.

Genetski reinforced FanDuel’s commitment to tribal partnerships, explaining that the company’s business model is built around collaboration rather than owning and operating land-based casinos. He highlighted the importance of trust and long-term relationships in ensuring successful ventures.

“Tribal partnerships are on another level,” Genetski said. “With tribes, it’s a lot more than just the bottom line. There’s tribal sovereignty, protection of the community, and thinking of the benefits over generations, not just quarter to quarter.”

DraftKings and FanDuel have already formed partnerships with tribal operators in other states. DraftKings collaborates with the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan for sports betting and igaming, while FanDuel has partnered with the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

“I feel what we’ve been able to do together is impactful for us and for them,” Robins said of DraftKings’ Michigan partnership. “That’s what it’s all about: impacts in the communities with the funds generated.”

As California tribes consider their next steps, DraftKings and FanDuel are positioning themselves as allies rather than adversaries, hoping to secure a role in any future sports betting framework within the state.

Source:

Odds getting better for legalized sports betting in California, capitolweekly.net, April 01, 2025.