California Ready for Internet Poker Regulation

January 4th, 2010

California has been hit hard by the recession.  Despite being strapped for cash, the state has always been a trendsetter when it comes to changing existing legislation.  As it stands now, the sate is prepared to hold a hearing on the tax benefits of regulating online poker.  This week, Roderick Wright, Democrat State Senator, reported that state legislature plans to hold a hearing regarding the matter next year in February.  While fellow State Senator Dean Florez agreed that it would make for a viable and potential source of income, he said the structure of the industry is the most important aspect.

The Commerce Casino and Morongo Band of Mission Indians are two parties in a network of gaming supportive groups that are all calling for the regulation of internet poker in California.  Both are hoping to operate their own respective poker rooms should the proposed legislation eventually become official law.  If it does, California would be the first state in the United States to legalize and regulate intrastate internet poker.

Patrick Dorinson, a spokesman for the Morongo tribe, stated that there are currently an estimated one million California resident playing poker at offshore sites, citing how popular the online game is among U.S. players.  While lawmakers will not come out and state approximately how much revenue intrastate internet poker could possibly bring to California, it has been speculated that if the industry is run like the local slot machines, it could generate well over $250 million a year.

Even with all the potential benefits, there are some groups that do not support the proposal for regulation.

Robert Smith, Chairman of the California Tribal Business Alliance, represents one of few voices that believes the regulation of online poker would negatively impact the state’s brick and mortar casinos.  Gambling opponents have also been outspoken on the issue, including Jim Butler, member of a local advocacy group.  Butler hinted that providing residents with the freedom to gamble away thousands online would only make the situation in California worse.

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California still has its fair share of challenges to deal with even if legislature rules that regulation is worth pursuing.  For what seems like forever, the U.S. Department of Justice has been firm in its claims that all forms one online gambling are illegal, despite the fact that there is no applicable legislation that confirms this, something the UIEGA has been criticized for failing to do.  A large number of attorneys agree that the law the DOJ often refers to is the Wire Act, a law that only pertains to wagering on sports.

Although regulation seems to be closer than ever before, this is not the first time the state of California entertained the idea of regulating internet poker.  In fact, it was February 2008 when Assemblyman Lloyd Levine introduced his bill for regulating the industry. Unfortunately, the bill was never acted on before the legislative session for that year adjourned.

It may be a while before California sees online poker regulation, but the state is showing that it will not go out without a fight.

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2 Responses so far to “California Ready for Internet Poker Regulation”

  1. # online casinò on January 5th, 2010 at 12:31 pm:

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  2. # casinò online on January 8th, 2010 at 11:37 am:

    California has been hit hard by the recession. Despite being strapped for cash, the state has always been a trendsetter when it comes to changing existing legislation. As it stands now, the sate is prepared to hold a hearing on the tax benefits of regulating online poker. This week, Roderick Wright, Democrat State Senator, reported that state legislature plans to hold a hearing regarding the matter next year in February. While fellow State Senator Dean Florez agreed that it would make for a viable and potential source of income, he said the structure of the industry is the most important aspectBenvenuto a Online Casinò, qui trovi i migliori Casinò online. Scegli i tuoi giochi perferiti dei Casinò, come Slot Machine, Roulette, Blackjack, Video Poker e altro ancora. Scopri i premi e i bonus per i nuovi giocatori

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