CTBA pledges to block legislation that would allow PokerStars to go live in California

Medias recently suggested that online poker giant PokerStars had entered negotiations with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and three large Southern California card clubs to go live in the Sunshine State and to oppose any new law which includes a “bad actor” clause that might exclude the leading poker website from a Californian regulated market.

In response to these rumors and as online poker could be soon legalized in the Sunshine State, the California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA) has pledged to block any online gaming legislation that would allow PokerStars to enter the market. According to Leslie Lhose, Chairperson of the California Tribal Business Alliance, “only entities that adhere to the highest regulatory standards, such as those used in the regulation of Indian gaming”, should be licensed to provide online play. But following the enactment of the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) making online gambling illegal, PokerStars refused to close its website. In 2011, the Department of Justice issued orders mandating the site close down, filed a civil action to seize the company's assets acquired post-UIGEA, and threatened imprisonment alleging, among other things, conspiracy, money laundering, bank fraud and violations of the Wire Act. In settlement, they paid a $731 million fine, but admitted no wrongdoing.

“The member tribes of CTBA will continue to work diligently to ensure any online poker authorization bill will impose strong controls, mandate disclosures, and promote the highest standards of integrity in the gaming industry. Therefore we will strongly oppose any legislation, which allows PokerStars to participate”, he added.

Source: News.nom.co