Tribes in California divided on bills to authorize Internet gaming

Wednesday, July 13, 2011  

Tribes are divided over efforts to legalize Internet poker in California.

The California Online Poker Association, a coalition led by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, supports SB 40. But the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the California Tribal Business Alliance oppose the measure.

Supporters say other states are moving towards Internet gaming. There's also proposals in Congress to lift restrictions in federal law.

The Agua Caliente Band, however, doesn't think Congress will be taking action soon. “We foresee no successful action on this front in either 2011 or 2012,” vice chairman Jeff Grubbe told Senate Governmental Organization Committee.

Sen. Rod Wright, the chairman of the committee, is sponsoring another Internet bill, SB 45.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers urge online gaming for state (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 7/13)