According to OnlinePokerReport.com, the California Assembly Governmental Organization (GO) Committee will be holding a hearing on online poker bill AB 2863 next Wednesday, April 20th. The bill, championed by California Assemblyman Adam Gray, aims to legalize and regulate internet poker California, the biggest prize for the online poker in the United States.
Today, the PokerStars Coalition, a group that includes Native American tribes, card rooms, and, of course, PokerStars, sent a letter to Assemblyman Gray, thanking him for his support in trying to get online poker regulation done in the Golden State. The Coalition consists of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the United Auburn Indian Community (UIAC), the Commerce Casino, the Hawaiian Gardens Casino, and the Bicycle Casino (the “Bike”), in addition to PokerStars. The United Auburn Indian Community did not sign the letter for reasons that are currently unknown. It may be a big deal, it may not, bit it may at least be “something.” The UIAC has also been a part of another tribal group that is generally in agreement with the PokerStars Coalition.
In the letter, the Coalition said:
On behalf of a broad coalition of tribal governments, card clubs and online operators, we write in support of your AB 2863, your bill to protect consumers, create jobs, and strengthen our state’s economy by authorizing and regulating intrastate, Internet Poker in California. Authorizing online poker will be good for millions of consumers and poker players who will benefit from a safe, regulated, commercial gaming environment where they are protected and assured that the games are fair and honest.
We are proud to support this bill which would establish a vibrant, competitive marketplace, provide superior consumer protections, require strict oversight and regulation of licensees and service providers, and ensure that the state receives a reasonable return.
Our coalition has worked closely with legislators and other interested parties to thoroughly vet this policy issue since 2008. After years of research and deliberation, your leadership has produced a bill with broad support from California’s Indian tribes, the larger gaming community, and internet poker players. We are optimistic that with your continued leadership and direct consultations with interested parties, this comprehensive piece of legislation can reach Governor Brown’s desk and earn his signature.
The Coalition did mention one concern it had with the bill, namely, “provisions that would restrict the ability to use customer databases, as that will only serve to stunt the growth of the iPoker market and the revenues available to the state.”
Considering the rest of the letter was full of praise for Assemblyman Gray and his efforts, though, it does not appear that the issue of customer databases is a deal breaker. The Coalition would clearly like the bill to move forward; changes can still be discussed at a later date and issues that have been significant for the Coalition have already been settled.