California online poker bills set to die
SB51 and SB678 will die this month but legislation will be resubmitted in February with the support of tribal leaders
The two California online poker bills SB51 and SB678 are set to die later this month, with new legislation expected to be submitted in February with the backing of the state’s tribal leaders.
The California legislature has reached the end of its current two-year session meaning any bills that have not reached the committee, such as SB51 and SB678, are scrapped and re-introduced.
SB51 has been sponsored by Senator Rod Wright, while SB678 has been sponsored by Senator Lou Correa.
The language of each bill is likely to be altered slightly before being resubmitted under a different number by 24 February, the deadline for legislation to be entered for the next legislative session.
Both bills had encountered opposition from the influential tribal communities, who have recently been working with Senator Wright and Senator Correa to alter the langue of each bill to better represent their businesses.
“This gives us more time to make sure we have a thorough bill, a complete bill, and a bill that everyone agrees on,” said Jerome Encinas, director of Encinas Governmental Affairs.
Some industry experts have suggested that a single streamlined bill will be introduced, bringing together the different aspects of SB51 and SB678. It may also include aspects of a third draft bill from the Pechanga Tribe.
The majority of the tribes are backing SB678 as they have been working together as a small coalition, alongside Senator Correa, to draft a bill agreeable by all parties.
Tribal opposition has been cited as one of the main hurdles to California going live with egaming. But with their support some believe the state will legalize internet poker later this year.
“This is the year. This is definitely the year. We have got some much momentum and the mood has changed dramatically. The focus and the shift has come full circle and people are really excited about getting something done this year,” said Encinas.
A recent report by Eilers Research estimated the California online poker market to be worth US$400m by 2020.