PokerStars strikes second California deal
World's largest poker site will supply the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with an online poker platform as soon as it is legal to do so in the state
PokerStars and parent company Amaya Gaming have struck a deal with the powerful San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who previously lobbied for a bad actor clause in California, to supply them with an online poker platform as soon as it is legal to do so.
The deal with the tribe is the second signed by PokerStars in California, having already joined forces with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and three of the state’s largest card rooms – the Commerce Club, the Hawaiian Gardens Casino and the Bicycle Casino – back in April.
San Manuel’s decision to join the PokerStars coalition may come as a surprise to some, as the tribe had previously lobbied in favour of so-called “bad actor” language to be included in online poker legislation that would have barred Stars from licensure in the state.
“We are pleased to join this coalition,” Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of San Manuel, said. “We are convinced that the various interests must work together if we are to be successful in establishing a well-regulated environment and the best-in-class internet poker industry for California.”
The bad actor clause was one of the main reasons why online poker legislation failed to get across the line in California this year, with PokerStars and Morongo claiming it was a “blatant attempt” at keeping the world’s largest poker site out of the market.
But with the addition of San Manuel to the coalition, Morongo chairman Robert Martin said the partnership “marks a new day” for online poker in California, and as more tribes joined together the “opportunity for success grows”.
“We’re excited about the momentum and opportunities this new agreement represents in getting legislation passed,” Martin said. “As tribes come together on this issue, the opportunity for success grows.”
PokerStars looks set to return to the US market in New Jersey following its $4.9bn acquisition by Amaya Gaming earlier in the year, with its licence application already underway. Licensure by the New Jersey regulator would certainly pave the way for Stars to operate in more US markets as they regulate.
“San Manuel is a strong, forward thinking operator and is a great partner to join our coalition in advocating for the development of an open and well regulated iPoker market in California,” Guy Templer, group business development director at PokerStars, said.
“We are looking forward to working with the legislature and with other stakeholders to help develop an industry that will benefit California consumers and the state alike,” he added.
The fight for regulated online poker in California looks set to resume when the legislature reconvenes next month, with Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer expected to introduce a new bill.