Let's get this done now!
Newly installed executive director of Poker Voters of America confirms third California poker bill and outlines proposals to get the bill passed by 30 March this year.
More than two years ago the first piece of legislation that would have established a legal, regulated, revenue producing internet poker system was introduced in the California Legislature. While that first attempt was merely a bill aimed at studying the issue, last year’s bill by State Senator Rod Wright would have created the first internet poker system in the United States.
Unfortunately it died at the end of the legislative session without any action being taken.
As we begin the new session already three bills have been introduced. Senator Wright has re-introduced his bill, the California Online Poker Association (COPA) a coalition of California tribes and card clubs, has introduced their own bill and Poker Voters of America (PVA) have also introduced a bill.
While there are some differences, all of these bills have much in common and the ultimate goal of all involved is to get this done this year so that new opportunities for California’s licensed gaming operators can begin to flow. In addition the cash-strapped state can realize a new source of much-needed revenue and the two million Californians currently playing internet poker can rest assured that there are strong consumer protections in place.
Where before there was strong opposition from some large gaming tribes, many of them now see the enormous economic possibilities that could come from a legal internet poker system and have indicated they would support such a system.
So if all parties agree on the basic principles of revenue for the state, hundreds of high paying jobs and consumer protections through vigorous regulation, you might ask why hasn’t this been done and what’s the hang-up?
It is a good question. But rather than rehash what has happened over the last two years, we at PVA would propose the following course of action as we move forward.
1. Set a goal of having a bill passed and signed by Governor Brown by March 30, 2011. Experts have said that estimated revenue for the state in the first full year of operations would be $300 million increasing annually as the system matures. The governor has said he wants his whole budget done by then so let’s make his job a little easier by bringing California a new source of revenue.
2. Let the principals of all interested parties get together in a room without lobbyists and consultants and working with key legislative staff hammer out bill language that can gain an “aye” vote in the Legislature. Reasonable and rational people can find a solution that will work for all.
3. And let us all agree to put aside any past differences and work together for the benefit of all Californians and especially those who are currently playing internet poker without any consumer safeguards.
The consequences of missing the March 30 2011 deadline would mean the state would lose US$300m for next year’s budget. And I think all parties would agree that is unacceptable.
On issue after issue over the years California has lead the way. It is long past time to do it again with internet poker. Let’s get it done in the first quarter of 2011.