Column: California tribes divided over online poker at racetracks

California tribal casinos were deeply divided about how, or if, the state should legalize online poker.

Now tribes are talking, but a deal remains elusive because of key disagreements.

Robert Martin, chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, said he would have no problem with allowing racetracks and advanced-deposit wagering facilities to offer online poker.

“I can’t answer for every tribe, but I can tell you that Agua Caliente would oppose that bill,” said Jeff Grubbe, chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. He noted that voters in 2004 rejected a measure to expand gambling at horse tracks.