Poker : Statement of California Tribes and Card Clubs Regarding Introduction of SB 1485

6/2/10 – The following is a statement by the coalition of the Commerce Casino, Hollywood Park Casino, Hawaiian Gardens Casino, Bicycle Casino and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians regarding the Senate Bill 1485, introduced last Friday, which proposes to regulate online poker within the state of California:

With the introduction of SB 1485, California is one step closer to allowing the establishment of legal intrastate online poker Web sites that will offer consumer protections and provide desperately needed revenue for the state.

Millions of Californians are already playing poker online using illegal offshore Web sites at great risk to their privacy and possible identity theft. Online poker needs to be brought out of the shadows in an open and transparent system so that players can be confident their personal information and winnings are secure, and the state can recoup the millions in revenue that are being lost to offshore interests every day.

We will be reviewing the bill carefully and offering our expertise on gaming issues with an eye toward getting comprehensive legalization passed this year. We look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure that California consumers are protected and California receives the revenue it deserves.