Will 2015 Finally be the Year for Online Poker in California? Bill Introduced

Written by:
Ace King
Published on:
Jan/24/2015
Will 2015 Finally be the Year for Online Poker in California? Bill Introduced

They are trying again in California as yet another online poker bill has been introduced in the Golden State, which just happens to be the world’s eighth largest economy.

It’s a new set of characters behind the wheel this time.  On Thursday, Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer unveiled his version of past bills calling it the Internet Consumer Protection Act of 2015.

A coalition that includes PokerStars, the Commerce Club, the Hawaiian Gardens Casino and the Bicycle Casino along with two of the states prominent Indian Tribes have expressed support for the latest reincarnation of this online poker legislation.

“[W]e are encouraged that his approach will move the discussion of online poker forward in a positive direction,” the coalition said in the statement.

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The irony here is that the other state Tribes have objected to Stars entrance into the California marketplace.

The introduction of AB. 167 prompted the Pechanga Tribe to issue this statement:

“There is much for tribes to dislike about this bill. [AB 167]

“We are disappointed that the bill disregards important principles from a broad coalition of respected tribes and card rooms that help prevent corporations and entities that previously violated federal law from profiting from tainted software, brands, and databases derived from illegal activity.

“Tribes have been steadfast in the principle that online poker be consistent with California's longstanding public policy of limited gaming, and that means keeping it to just tribes and card rooms.  California voters have always had the final say on gaming expansion and they have already rejected expansion of gaming for horse racing.” 

- Ace King, Gambling911.com

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