A coalition of poker groups launches campaign in support of online poker bill

California: A coalition of poker groups launches campaign in support of online poker bill

Some of the most powerful names in the industry have joined forces to fight for the regulation of the online poker market in the Golden State. The coalition has been created by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Amaya Inc. (owner of PokerStars) and three of the largest card clubs from California (Commerce Casino, Hawaiian Gardens Casino and Bicycle Casino). The group is trying to make Californians see the logic. California State Senate could perfectly pass an online gambling bill to allow Californians to play poker from home. The campaign is trying to hit the sensitivity and common sense of Californians through ads, website and a tour with poker celebrities. The 60 second radio and online ads is asking Californians to get involved by asking legislators for a regulated online poker network in California. The website has also become one of the main sites for poker advocacy, Californians4iPoker.com, the Californians for Responsible iPoker. The hub has brought together a number of events, keeping Californians updated on online poker regulation using the “Top 10 Reasons to Authorize and Regulate Online Poker in California” as well as “The Principles for Establishing Online Poker in California”.

PokerStars, one of the main advocates, is soon bringing the “Let California Play!” Pro Tour. The tournament will be one of the most powerful tools to force California State into a decision on whether online poker should be authorized and regulated or not. The tour will commence this summer and will be hosted by PokerStars and several other cardrooms. San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena said: “We intend to push online poker over the finish line. Authorizing online poker by creating a strictly regulated marketplace in California is the right thing to do for consumers, and it’s the right thing to do for the state.” The Morongo Band of Mission Indians Chairman Robert Martin, said: “We believe strongly that regulating iPoker is good for consumers, and we will not stand by and let a few entrenched interests derail this important consumer issue. Our campaign is about offering Californians choice and much needed consumer protections, and is intended to engage poker players and others who support state regulation of iPoker.” Keith Sharp of Falk & Sharp stated: “This year we’ve seen a lot of positive momentum and that has obviously scared those who want to derail online poker forever. By taking our effort directly to consumers and getting legislators’ constituents engaged, we think we can disrupt the logjam.” Eric Hollreiser, Head of Corporate Communications, Amaya Inc. and Poker Stars, commented: “As a global home of innovation, technology and consumer rights, it’s time California updated its old laws and regulated online poker to protect consumers, and bring new revenue to California”.