Cali bill set for hearing, poll shows voter support
SB 1463 to be discussed at Senate Governmental Organisation Committee today
Hopes of regulating online gambling in California this year will be put to the test when SB 1463 is heard in the senate for the first time today.
Since being introduced four months ago by Senator Roderick Wright (pictured), the online poker bill has faced stiff opposition from stakeholders including tribal groups and card clubs. Many influential tribes, for example, have voiced concern over whether the bill violates tribal sovereignty and revenue sharing agreements in the state.
However discussions have been taking place in an effort to reach a compromise, with an amended version introduced by Senator Wright last week. It will be heard in the Senate Governmental Organisation Committee at 9.30am PDT today.
One of the bill’s largest opponents to date has been the California Online Poker Association (COPA), which yesterday released poll results showing public support for the regulation. More than three quarters (76%) vote in favour of the concept of online gambling legislation.
The survey also revealed that 56% of voters want the online gambling market to be poker only, while the majority believe that only operators already licensed within the Golden State should be permitted to offer the games.
COPA, along with groups such as the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, have also voiced their objection to these matters.
The amended version of SB 1463 removed the provision to allow non-poker games after two years and limited licence applicants to casinos and card rooms which already offer poker.
California’s huge population of more than 37 million “ 14 times the size of Nevada “ makes it a vital player in the online gambling landscape.
According to COPA, the state’s two million online poker players make up around 60% of the US market and regulation of poker alone could attract more than US$1bn in tax revenues for the state over the next 10 years.