The Golden State inched nearer to becoming the fourth American state to authorize internet poker, as legislation AB 2863 cleared the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee with full backing.
Although the measure cruised through the session with a 19-0 tally, certain tribal groups, including the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, expressed firm disapproval of the legislation, contending that “unscrupulous entities” who failed to depart the US market following the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 should be barred from participating in a regulated sector.
These “unscrupulous entities” allude to operators such as PokerStars, which AB 2863 does not explicitly forbid.
In 2014, PokerStars’ parent company Amaya established a partnership with two tribal entities and three card rooms to advocate for the legalization of online poker in California, with the operators intending to collaboratively manage a licensed online poker platform once the market is regulated.
The matter witnessed some headway last year, as bill AB 431 received approval from the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee and the Assembly Appropriations Committee, but it has not progressed further since then.
State Representative Adam Gray, a co-sponsor of AB 2863, has put forth a measure to oversee internet poker in California. This recent legislation is a joint endeavor between Gray and Assemblywoman Reginald Jones-Sawyer, who presented an online poker proposal, AB 167, in the previous year.
In contrast to the prior year’s attempt, the current legislation clarifies particular regulatory wording.
As per the stipulations of AB 2863, the initial $60 million accrued annually would be allocated to California’s equine racing sector. The lawful wagering age would be established at 21.
“Following numerous revisions and discussions with interested parties and consumer representatives, two significant concerns were brought up by dissenters: equine racing and eligibility,” remarked Gray. “Currently, we possess language that tackles equine racing, and talks are underway concerning eligibility.”
The measure will now proceed back to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which will require a supermajority vote to progress it to the Senate chamber.