Online poker has been a topic of debate in California for years. The Golden State has the largest population in the country, and as a result, it is a major market for online poker.
However, the state has yet to legalize and regulate online poker. So, will online poker ever be legal in California? Let’s take a look.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that there have been efforts to legalize online poker in California for several years now. In fact, the state was close to passing legislation back in 2016 that would have legalized and regulated online poker. However, disagreements between various stakeholders derailed those efforts.
One of the main points of contention is how to handle “bad actors.” This refers to companies that offered online poker in the United States after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006. Some stakeholders want these companies excluded from the California market, while others believe they should be allowed to participate.
Another issue is who should be allowed to offer online poker in California. Some stakeholders believe that only existing card rooms and tribal casinos should be allowed to offer online poker, while others think that out-of-state companies should also be allowed to participate.
Despite these disagreements, there is still hope for legalization. In fact, earlier this year, Assemblyman Adam Gray introduced AB 431 which would legalize online sports betting and gaming in California. The bill has not yet been passed but it shows that there is still interest from lawmakers to move forward with legalization.
In addition, other states have already legalized and regulated online poker. New Jersey was one of the first states to do so back in 2013. Since then, Pennsylvania and Delaware have also legalized and regulated online poker.
So why should California follow suit? For starters, legalizing and regulating online poker would bring in significant tax revenue for the state.
In addition, it would provide a safe and regulated environment for players to enjoy online poker. Right now, Californians who want to play online poker are forced to do so on unregulated offshore sites, which can be risky.
Furthermore, legalizing online poker would create jobs and boost the economy. It would also provide an opportunity for card rooms and tribal casinos to expand their offerings and attract new customers.
In conclusion, while there are still disagreements among stakeholders in California regarding the legalization of online poker, there is still hope that it will happen in the future. Assemblyman Adam Gray’s recent bill shows that there is still interest from lawmakers to move forward with legalization.
Legalizing and regulating online poker would bring in significant tax revenue, provide a safe environment for players, create jobs, and boost the economy. It’s time for California to follow in the footsteps of other states and legalize online poker.
