For those poker enthusiasts who live in California, there may be some good news in the offing. If all goes well, the legislation broadening the range of legal gambling activities to include online poker playing could come through. Then California residents can enjoy playing this skill game without fear of legal repercussions. The online poker bill which was introduced in the last week of February was not really unexpected since talks have been in the air for a while now.
About the Bill
The Bill that will ease gambling constraints here for online poker is co-authored by a top Democrat Senator, Darrell Steinberg. He is quick to reassure that the bill is hinged on the certainty of significant returns coming to the state by means of legal online poker gaming. The bill’s co-author Senator Rod Wright is also instrumental in detailing another measure that focuses on sports wagering.
According to this proposed legislation for legalizing online poker, if the game is made legal, the state could add another $200 million to its general fund. There has been a great deal of disagreement over the bill and what it should contain. This can be attributed quite heavily to the fact that wealthy gaming tribes here in the state have not been able to come to a consensus regarding the bill’s focal points.
What will the Bill Do?
If it is passed, this bill will open up the California market to online poker gaming. As of now horse racing, tribal gaming, lottery and card clubs do exist here and function within the legal framework of the state’s laws. However, California residents keen on playing real money poker games can only do so by visiting Nevada, which is exempted from the earlier act prohibiting these activities.
The bill’s proponents are hoping to present their case convincingly by bringing out the statistics about the amount of wagers made by poker players in California at sites based beyond borders. The figures are impressive enough to persuade those in high places that these monies could better be diverted towards the state’s funds instead by bringing online poker casinos under state purview.
To begin with, the bill proposes that 10 year licenses be offered to operators who are willing to launch poker sites. These licenses will be available to all interested operators. Officials intend to implement a $30 million initial payment to obtain the license. This will keep small operators and fly- by- night casinos away, they believe. A poker room that is willing to invest such a staggering amount will be serious about maintaining the highest standards of online poker playing to ensure that it attracts the right kind of players.
Legislation to Impact Sports Betting
Poker players are not the only ones who will benefit if new legislative measures proposed are accepted. Another measure impacts sports betting quite significantly too. This one will legalize sports wagers made at licensed casinos and other gambling establishments that carry a license. As of now this kind of betting is prohibited in most states across the U.S. If this measure does go through in California, there may be wide reaching protests against the Fed law prohibiting it in other states.
As with any other piece of legislation there is some criticism to this bill too. Surprisingly, some of the skepticism is coming from the gaming tribes. There is apprehension that this new bill may infringe on the agreements regarding revenue sharing that currently exist between the tribes and the state. It remains to be seen whether California does become a safe haven for poker enthusiasts but meanwhile there is no stopping residents from playing their favorite game at sites beyond the borders.
