California Passes Online Poker Bill

California continues being a mystery for lawmakers. One of the most flourishing states in the US cannot seem to put 1 and 2 together. The several attempts, civil rights, liberties, economic boosts, are just part of the well-known laid back attitude from the West Coast, a way of thinking that nobody in the country can really get to understand. The online poker bill, as well as many other developments in the state, is taking forever; but of course, California is not going to go for successful realizations such as decriminalizing online gambling. But Assemblyman Adam Gray and Assembly Bill 431 might change that. The bill is trying to legalize online poker in California. The hearing from past Monday with members of the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee was a successful one; several votes in favor of Assemblyman Adam Gray’s AB 431 are going to push the bill further, to the point that, at least now, the online gambling industry is being taken under considerations. Now that Assemblyman Adam Gray has moved forward with Assembly Bill 431, there will be more for online poker to come.

On the other hand, Native American Reserves and their Casinos, have been also fighting for a narrower policy on online gambling. Agua Caliente and the Pechanga do not want to legalize online poker; the way these businesses see online gambling is threatening, as the lack of common sense might have taken them to misunderstand the online gambling industry. Mark Macarro, the chairman of the Pechanga tribe, wrote the members of the Governmental Organization Committee, criticizing Assemblyman Gray’s proposition. Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, one Amaya Gaming’s associate (gaming firm that purchased Poker Stars and Full Tilt last year on 2014), is supporting the bill but with one main condition: the inclusion of bad actors. There will be another hearing on May 20, to discuss further details about AB 431; hearing will be held at Assembly and Senate Governmental Organization Committee.