Not strong line of reasoning to bring online poker bill to California

The Pechanga’s Online Poker Olive Branch does not seem enough to put some common sense into California Senate’s minds. California State Legislature for 2015 is no going to take in consideration any online poker bill even when several online poker groups and coalitions of Native American Indian tribes have proven the state wrong. Pechanga’s Olive Branch wanted to combine both industries, thoroughbred racing and online poker. Joe Morris, president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, commented: “We feel that Internet space is really our space. If anyone enters that space, we want a seat at the table. We are the only legal entity in it now, conducting business. We have done so without any challenges for the last 14 or so years. The revenue sharing offer was made to the tracks more than a year ago. We want the same shot at a license as everyone else. The profitability of such an arrangement depends on the industry model. We are actually having a pretty good year. We only need it if it happens. If it happens and we are not part of it, it would certainly hurt. If it does not happen, we will get along, as we do now.” Josh Robinstein, COO of San Diego’s Del Mar Racetracks, said: “Right now horse racing has exclusivity in Internet wagering. If you’re going to expand Internet wagering you got to include horse racing.”

Mark Macarro, chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, has been working with an Assembly Government Organization committee since last month, creating a coalition of several Native American Indian tribes. Pechanga, Agua Caliente and Viejas Indian bands are the main forces for the coalition of nine tribes that does not believe that online poker licenses should be granted to the racing industry. Mark Macarro commented: “If that is not an acceptable form of participation, the racing industry also has the means to enter into private partnerships with licensed operators to participate as affiliates. Racetracks can enter into arrangements whereby they refer their web visitors and players to poker websites for a fee. We are realistic about the politics of this issue. That is why Pechanga is prepared to support other opportunities for the racing industry to participate and benefit from online poker. We respect the sport of horse racing and recognize the importance of the jobs that rely on the industry.”