With supporters far outweighing opponents, the bill regulating California intrastate online gambling seemed a lock to pass. But, with varying interests unable to produce a single viable plan, the proposal to allow instate online poker operators failed to receive a vote in committee, and will probably be left off this year's agenda.California lawmakers are desperate for revenue to prop up the state's budget, and taxing online poker seems an option that could raise almost a billion dollars annually. But tribal leaders and card room operators already licensed in the state balked at allowing a chance of outside competition, although they had supported Internet poker under their control.
State Senator Roderick Wright, who had proposed the bill which would let California residents gamble online with operators licensed inside state boundaries, withdrew the measure, saying it still needed work. He opined it would probably be past the end of the year before the bill would again be brought forward.
Leaders from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the tribe that initiated discussions of intrastate Internet poker, objected to the wording of the bill, which they felt left open the possibility that Las Vegas gaming companies and foreign online casino operators could claim a license to serve California.
The Poker Players Alliance took the opposing point, wanting such established online poker operators as Full Tilt and PokerStars to have the right to bid for licensing. PPA spokesmen also denounced a clause that would make gambling with unlicensed online casinos a crime.
Until a consensus among the involved parties can be reached, it appears California will be stalled in its attempt to avoid the UIGEA and establish intrastate Internet poker operations.
Published on June 30, 2010 by MattMiller
Top 10 NO deposit Bonus offers @
Read More... [Source: California Gambling News]
No comments:
Post a Comment