California’s aspiration of lawful internet poker appears likely to face further delays. Although attempts were made to enact legislation in 2016, it has been deferred until at least 2018. There seems to be considerable discord regarding its implementation. Certain legislators believe the current proposal is overly restrictive and will not accomplish its intended objectives. Furthermore, the involvement of PokerStars, the prominent online poker platform, and whether they should be permitted to participate remains a significant point of contention. Despite some headway made last year through an agreement between Native American tribes and the equine racing sector, it was insufficient to advance the process. Therefore, it appears that Californian poker enthusiasts will need to exercise continued forbearance.
Indigenous Californian communities have expressed significant resistance to PokerStars’ possible entrance into the state’s internet poker market. They contend that the company’s participation would negatively impact their existing gaming enterprises, which represent a crucial income stream for their populations.
Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, a pivotal player in these deliberations, has recognized the increasing strain. Although he has suggested that any legislative measures concerning online poker are essentially postponed for this year, the atmosphere remains strained. Encounters between legislators and tribal delegates have been characterized as intense, with accounts even emerging of Assemblyman Jim Cooper being compelled to reiterate legal codes pertaining to threats directed at lawmakers in the presence of tribal representatives.
Jones-Sawyer stressed the importance of prioritizing alternative legislative issues, remarking, “Listen, we have other priorities in the Assembly, such as infrastructure. This is not the time to pursue something contentious.” He posits that concentrating on identifying shared ground now will enhance the probability of securing a resolution in the coming year. With discussions seemingly stalled, it seems that all stakeholders are preparing for a protracted procedure that could continue well into the future.