PokerStars faces five year ban from California under new amendments
Latest changes to AB 2863 aim to speed bill's passage ahead of legislature's adjournment
PokerStars could be banned from operating in California for at least five years under new amendments to the California online poker bill making its way through the state legislature.
Assemblyman Adam Gray introduced the changes to AB 2863 in an effort to get the bill approved before the state legislature adjourns on August 31.
He has previously declined several opportunities to have the bill voted on for fear it would not pass.
The latest changes include a five year penalty on companies who accepted or facilitated wagers from American customers after December 31, 2006 (i.e PokerStars) as well as a flat 10% tax rate on gross gaming revenue instead of the previously proposed sliding scale.
The changes are said to be supported by a coalition of 10 tribes, including the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who believe AB 2863 can now command the two thirds majority it needs to pass the Assembly.
Of course the amendments are likely to be opposed by PokerStars and its tribal supporters â the Morongo and San Manuel Mission Indians among them â who argue that the company is under completely new ownership than during its “bad actor” days.
PokerStars had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.
The bill is expected to be voted on Monday, and “should secure two-thirds of the vote” according to Trent Hager, chief of staff for Gray, who was speaking to the Los Angeles Times.