The Golden State’s path to authorizing internet poker encountered another obstacle, and it appears unlikely to be reconsidered before 2018 at the earliest.
Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer and Adam Gray, head of the California Gaming Association, collaborated in 2016 to present legislation that would make online poker in the state legal and subject to regulations. The proposal, however, met with fierce resistance from certain legislators who claimed it was overly restrictive and would not accomplish its intended objectives.
Jones-Sawyer recognized the necessity for a new beginning, remarking, “I don’t want to play therapist, but we need to begin anew and at least bring people to a place where they’re open to attempting to make this happen again.” He stressed the significance of a deliberate strategy, stating, “When I initially became serious about this, we proceeded slowly and systematically, and we made some headway. We avoided rushing or polarizing anyone.”
For more than ten years, legalization attempts have been stalled owing to disagreements over the bill’s particulars. This impasse persists despite a major breakthrough last year in which Native American groups and the California horse racing sector struck an agreement. The arrangement would have seen racetracks relinquish their claim to run online poker in return for a $60 million yearly payment.
One of the primary points of contention has been the effort to permit industry behemoth PokerStars to enter California’s prospective online poker market, which has sparked outrage from a variety of interested parties.
Indigenous Californian communities have expressed significant resistance to PokerStars’ possible entrance into the state’s internet poker industry. They contend that the corporation’s existence would directly jeopardize their tribal gambling enterprises.
Discussions have been incredibly strained, with Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer even summoning security personnel at one juncture. He allegedly recited a law concerning dangers to legislators in the presence of tribal delegates.
With discussions deadlocked, it appears progressively improbable that any legislation will advance this year. Legislators are recognizing the necessity for additional duration and agreement.
Assemblyman Jones-Sawyer conceded that any sessions planned for this year are canceled. He remarked, “We are plainly not going to be in a situation to progress anything currently.”
He stressed the importance of prioritizing other legislative issues, mentioning transportation as a primary concentration. Jones-Sawyer thinks that delaying until the following year could enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome. He stated, “I believe we have a greater opportunity of accomplishing something next year if we undertake some conciliatory measures presently.”