New California online poker bill raises hopes of progress
Assemblymen Adam Gray and Reggie Jones-Sawyer team-up for joint effort, tribes determined to âget this done in 2016âÂ
The prospect of online poker regulation making progress in California this year has received a major boost after Assemblyman Adam Gray introduced new legislation aimed at ending the deadlock between the tribes, card rooms and race tracks. [private]
The bill has been co-sponsored by online poker champion Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who re-introduced legislation last year after his 2014 effort almost got across the line.
Word of a new bill spread last week when Gray put forward a number of amendments to his previous effort, with a headline $60m sweetener offered to the racetracks in return for them stepping down as eligible online poker licensees.
Grayâs new bill, AB 2863, includes the revenue stream for the tracks as well as clarity over the licensing structure and regulations â there are two licenses, one for operators and one for suppliers, with operators allowed to run two skins.
The bill contains no obvious bad actor clause, paving the way for PokerStars, but has yet to break out license fees and tax rates despite the amendments put forward last week saying they would be $15m and 15% of GGR respectively.
Grayâs new bill has already received backing from the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and chairman Bo Mazzetti said the tribe would continue to work with him and the other stakeholders âto get this done in 2016â.
The earliest online poker could go live in the state is one year after regulators approve regulations, with a 270-day window for that framework to be developed and approved.
The bill still faces an uphill battle if it is to be signed into law this year, with some tribes believed to be concerned about the lack of a âbad actorâ clause. Others have also raised concerns about the legislatures approach to legalizing DFS.