California tribes push measure to authorize Internet poker in state

Wednesday, December 8, 2010  

The California Online Poker Association is renewing its push to legalize Internet poker games in California.

The association includes 29 tribes and some non-Indian card clubs. The group wants to create a poker website that will share revenues with the state.

Congress banned Internet gaming in 2006. But the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act includes exceptions for wagering that takes place under state law or through tribal-state compacts.

However, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada), the Senate majority leader, is circulating a bill that could negatively impact tribal rights. The National Indian Gaming Association is opposing the proposal.

“It is drafted to create an initial regulatory monopoly for Nevada and New Jersey for the first several years of the bill, which gives Las Vegas operators time to capture the market," Jason Giles, NIGA's deputy director, told Politico.

Get the Story:
Inland tribes back online gambling (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 12/8)
Harry Reid tries to add online poker to tax bill (Politico 12/8)

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Tribes facing bills for Internet gaming and off-reservation gaming (12/7)