California Nations Indian Gaming Association Applauds Utah Representative Blake Moore for Taking Urgent Action to Protect Established Gaming Law

Press Release
For Immediate Release

Contact: James May
(916) 754-7540
[email protected]

California Nations Indian Gaming Association Applauds Utah Representative Blake Moore for Taking Urgent Action to Protect Established Gaming Law

March 6, 2026

Washington, D.C. -The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) today commended Representative Blake Moore (R-UT) and co-sponsor Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) for introducing the Event Contract Enforcement Act, critical federal legislation to address illegal sports betting conducted through so-called "prediction markets."

"The expansion of sports gambling offerings on prediction market platforms is directly undermining clearly established tribal sovereignty and state authority over gambling within our borders," said Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) James Siva. "These sports event futures are nothing short of illegal betting operations. We commend Rep. Moore's legislation, which takes the necessary steps to clarify the CFTC's role and preserve our nationwide regulated gaming framework. We will continue to work with Congress to put an end to this regulatory loophole being exploited by prediction markets."

"The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians whole heartedly endorses the Event Contract Enforcement Act. We commend Congressman Blake Moore and our Representative Salud Carbajal, for their work to close a loophole in federal commodities law," said Kenneth Kahn, Chairman, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. "It has become clear that these platforms operate outside the rule of law and that this bill is needed to rein them in. Congress never intended for these platforms to breach tribal sovereignty or siphon critical revenue away from tribal communities. The consequences are real: fewer resources for healthcare, education, public safety, and other essential services. Our tribe stands ready to work with Congress to ensure the Event Contract Enforcement Act is enacted without delay."

The Event Contract Enforcement Act introduced by Rep. Moore, clarifies that gaming conducted outside of established and legal regulatory frameworks is illegal. The CFTC's own regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act prohibit event contracts involving gaming or activities that are unlawful under state or federal law. However, certain prediction market platforms have launched contracts allowing for unregulated online sports betting outside of established legal and regulatory frameworks.

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