Internet poker bill in California doesn't address tribal rights

Tuesday, June 1, 2010  

California Sen. Roderick Wright (D) introduced a bill to legalize Internet poker but it apparently cuts tribes out of the game.

The bill authorizes five-year contracts for up to three operators. Presumably, a tribe can apply for a contract but the bill doesn't say whether they could start their own online games pursuant to a compact.

Former President George W. Bush signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act into law in 2006. The law bans Internet gambling but carves out exceptions for wagering that takes place under state law or through tribal-state compacts.

Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribes can offer the same types of games that are legal in the state. That would presumably include Internet gaming.

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