CGA adds support to Correa Cali bill
The California Gaming Association (CGA) has announced its support for Senator Louis Correa's intrastate poker bill.
The California Gaming Association (CGA) has come out in support of Senator Louis Correa’s intrastate poker bill, in a move likely to be welcomed by other backers of the bill such as the California Online Poker Association (COPA).
CGA, which represents 75% of the licensed card clubs in the state and has representatives of the Bay 101 and Bicycle casinos among its number, has cited the potential of the bill to keep online gaming revenue within the cash-strapped state.
“Senate Bill 40 will help revitalize the state’s economy while protecting players,” said executive director Rob Ross yesterday. “This bill is an opportunity for licensed card clubs to participate in a new and rapidly evolving technology, should they elect to do so.”
Correa’s bill is being put forward as an alternative to Rod Wright’s reintroduced SB 45, as California looks to follow New Jersey in attempting to push through egaming legislation in 2011. New Jersey Senator Raymond Lesniak’s bill to implement regulated intrastate gaming in the Garden State is currently due to be considered by the Garden State’s Assembly on 10 January.
Egaming Review also reported yesterday that Poker Voters of America is poised to introduce a third intrastate bill into the California legislature. It is as yet unclear as to who the sponsor will be despite suggestions to the contrary.
The CGA added that its support for the bill was also based upon its confidence that the proposed regulation would protect players from fraud, as well as including measures to prevent underage gambling.
Furthermore, SB 40 would be expected to help plug the state’s multi-billion-dollar deficit, while also providing new jobs to cope with rising unemployment in the Golden State.
Other prominent supporters of Correa’s bill include the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians as well as the wider Morongo-led COPA coalition of card rooms and gaming tribes.
SB 40 sponsor Correa is satisfied that the CGA’s stance demonstrates the viability of his plans for online gaming in California. In a statement yesterday, he said: “The growing support for this legislation shows that now is the time for California to engage by creating a legal and safe environment for our residents who play online poker while also generating new revenues and jobs for our state.”