Recently in California, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians presented a bill calling for the legalization of online poker in the state, according to the Capitol Weekly news publication. Poker News Daily sat down with Poker Voters of America (PVA) Executive Director Melanie Brenner to get the organization’s reaction.
Capitol Weekly explained the Indian tribe’s proposal, which could mark the first step towards intrastate online poker. The draft bill would “create a centralized, online poker website they would offer to online customers within California’s borders. The consortium would have an exclusive right to offer online poker, but all California Indian tribes and card clubs would be eligible to be members.” California finds itself stuck in an ongoing budget crisis, adding momentum to the Morongo proposal for increased revenues.
In response to the submission, State Senator Darrell Steinberg claimed that the bill should not be discussed in the waning days of the 2009 Congressional session. Now, the PVA has embarked on a mission to formulate a ballpark revenue figure that the State of California would realize should it choose to allow online poker. The news outlet quoted a study done of over 800 voters in August that showed that 61% of voters opposed legalizing online poker in California. This amid brick-and-mortar card rooms sprinkled throughout the state, including the Bicycle Casino and Commerce Casino in Southern California. The former is fresh off hosting the World Poker Tour’s (WPT) Legends of Poker.
Brenner, who is also spearheading an effort to legalize and regulate the game in Florida and elsewhere throughout the United States, explained her position.
Poker News Daily: We’ve seen headlines like “Online poker suffers setback in California” in response to State Senator Steinberg’s remarks. Can you give us your reaction?
Brenner: This has been one of the best things that has happened to the PVA in the last couple of weeks. I want to open a bottle of champagne. What I think you’re seeing is a part of the political process. There are so many different parts to the process. One of the biggest challenges in California has been the opposition of the tribes not wanting online poker. One of the tribes now wants to run an online poker site. That’s a huge breakthrough.
PND: Have you been in discussion with the Morongo Tribe and others in California?
Brenner: Our plan was to have educational outreach to the tribe. When the Morongo Tribe announced this, we knew that the tribes had been starting to understand what we were saying. However, they jumped the gun a bit and hadn’t worked out all of the details.
PND: What was the feedback you received from lawmakers in Sacramento?
Brenner: The feedback was that there are way too many blanks to put this through. They have a three-week session that started last week. The Senate President said that they have too much on their plates and there isn’t enough here for them to tackle it now.
PND: What financial figures did the Morongo Tribe intend to use?
Brenner: They are using numbers from the Commerce Casino earlier in the year. We are familiar with the study and saw it, but aren’t quite comfortable with the credibility of the numbers.
PND: Will we see legalized intrastate online poker in California in 2009?
Brenner: From a political insider’s perspective, you can never say never. These are crazy times, but it’s very doubtful.
PND: Give us an update on your Florida endeavors.
Brenner: Things are going well, but nothing is happening right now. We’re on track and our timeline is to introduce legislation during the 2010 session.
Which are the states other than California offering intrastate competitions? Somebody please reply here.
In addition to California and Florida, the Poker Voters of America is directing its attention towards New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Check out: http://www.pokernewsdaily.com/jim-tabilio-leaves-poker-voters-of-america-3956/.