Members of the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee voted in favor of Assemblyman Adam Gray’s AB 431 that would legalize online poker in California at a hearing held on Monday.
This was a necessary move, as the bill needed to advance before May 1, in order to remain eligible for further discussions during this legislative session. No comprehensive details, however, have been revealed concerning its provisions, but people with knowledge of the matter suggest that it is to be subjected to additional amendments at some point in future.
Speaking of amendments, AB 431 had undergone certain changes, so as for the Agua Caliente and the Pechanga tribes that had previously opposed the bill to become neutral on it. About a week ago, Mark Macarro, Chairman of the Pechanga, sent a letter to members of the Governmental Organization Committee, to express his disapproval of Assemblyman Gray’s proposal.
The main issues that legislators and interested parties need to solve are the potential inclusion of the so-called “bad actors”, such as PokerStars, and as to whether race tracks should be allowed to provide online poker options.
Both the Pechanga and the Agua Caliente tribes stated their opinion that racing facilities being permitted to provide online poker would mean an expansion of the state gambling industry. Currently, those are not authorized to offer live poker to their visitors.
During the Monday hearing, Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, noted that the tribe supports the inclusion of bad actors, provided that the bill is signed into law. The tribal official brought up San Manuel’s alliance with Amaya Gaming, which purchased PokerStars and Full Tilt in 2014.
Ms. Valbuena commented that they have been working hard for an inclusive approach towards AB 431 to be adopted and that now more than ever, a consensus on the matter might be reached.
Steve Miller, Director for the California Poker Players Alliance, noted that the legalization of online poker should not be seen as an expansion of the gambling industry. He also pointed out that operators should work together, in order for a market that would be beneficial to everyone to be created on the territory of the state.
According to some lawmakers, the bill is not likely to be passed into law by the end of this legislative session, unless the interested parties reach an agreement on the above-mentioned issues.
AB 431 will be further discussed at a May 20 hearing of the Assembly and Senate Governmental Organization Committee.
