California will not go for Online Poker Bill

Senator Isadore Hall III (Chairman of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee), and Adam Gray (Member of California State Assembly and Chairman of the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee) have been trying to bring to California some sort of legislation to legalize intrastate Internet poker in, one of the most difficult campaigns ever. Online poker legislation has been successfully introduced in several States already, with surprising profitable results. Assembly Bill 431, Gray’s master plan, meant the final authorization from the California Gambling Control Commission to allow online poker sites in the Golden State of California’s borders. They both reminded us that it would not be an easy quick job but a long term project: “This will not be a rushed process. Any iPoker proposal must put California taxpayers first and must ensure a safe and responsible entertainment option for adults. If done correctly, this legislation could serve as a national model for other states to follow. We think we can do it and we’re all in to move California iPoker forward this legislative session.”

Many others joined the same cause, supporting online poker in California, like Reggie Jones-Sawyer and his bill AB 167. Member of California State Assembly, Mike Gatto. Gatto has also tried to introduce his own online poker bill, AB 9, an excellent campaign that involved Californians and the State’s wealth: “Californians already participate in online poker, but send their dollars overseas. By regulating and legitimizing this industry we will increase security, protect business owners, and keep our money here in the Golden State”. In spite of their efforts, sadly we all must admit that the reality: online poker will not be possible in California, yet. Recently, both bills fell, earlier this week, and were not part of Wednesday’s hearing at the Governmental Organization. California State Assemblyman, Mike Gatto, has been crystal clear over AB 9: “I am canceling next week’s hearing of my Assembly Bill 9. I believe this is the right thing to do at this point because there is no consensus on the issue yet. My bill has an urgency clause, and thus it can be resuscitated at any time. Over the past three years, I have met with representatives from nearly every software provider, card room, gaming tribe, racetrack, and internet-poker operator who has an opinion on the subject. I gave my word to both supporters and opponents of AB 9 that my goal was consensus, and that I would not move forward with anything that achieved less than that. I will continue working to craft legislation on which the interested parties can agree, and which is good for the people and treasury of the state of California.”