By Jonathan Santiago, Nov. 1, 2022
With midterm elections less than a month away, sports betting has become a hot topic. Proposition 27 on the California ballot legalizes all online sports betting. Proposition 26 legalizes sports betting within tribal casinos and racetracks. With 2 propositions on the ballot attempting to increase sports betting within the state, California has become the target for sports betting apps such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Cal Poly Pomona students shared their thoughts on the rise of sports betting in California.
Student pictures and quotes compiled by Jonathan Santiago
Alexis Martinez | agriculture science
“A lot of people are thinking that they can beat the odds, even more so now with job loss and such. They are hoping that a dollar will make it a little bit higher [profit]. It’s a risky business — personally knowing myself, too.”
Daniel Santoso | business: marketing management
“I’m from Indonesia. Betting is actually illegal there. From my perspective since I moved here, I think betting is part of the culture and people are actually a big fan of sports such as NBA and NFL.”
Ralph Sakr | mechanical engineering
“I’m not opposed to sports betting; I think it could be a lot of fun for some people as long as it’s done responsibly, of course.”
Marcial Velazquez | electrical engineering
“There is a problem with underage betting, and that can lead to gambling addiction. It being online makes it easier to access and obviously if younger people in general get access it can lead to a whole bunch of things. I think if it’s not controlled enough, it could be a problem. But if it is controlled and regulated to a fair amount, there’s no problem with it.”
Rex Garrido | chemical engineering
“I think it’s good. I believe in a free market. I believe people should be doing what they want to do with their money.”
Rueben Murillo | criminology
“I think it’s like any other betting. Sports betting is a good thing that you can utilize in many ways. I know people frown upon it, saying it’s bad to promote gambling, but I feel like with anything in life you have to know the risks.”
Jose Machado | kinesiology
“I feel like it’s good, but when it comes to online sports betting, that’s when it becomes more dangerous because it becomes a liability to have a phone and give it to a child.”
Marco Gutierrez | kinesiology
“I think sports betting can be fun and a profitable experience if you do it right and in moderation.”
Sebastian Lopez | civil engineering
“Personally, I partake in sports betting, a couple dollars here and there. I think it’s something you should do for fun. Don’t take it too seriously.”
Feature image courtesy of CPP Athletics