Survey finds California voters opposed to legalizing Internet poker

A survey Monday commissioned by several Native American tribes with concerns about legalizing Internet poker in California found a majority of California's likely voters oppose the idea.

Before hearing any arguments for or against, the survey found that 52 percent of likely voters oppose allowing online poker games, which is proposed by a poker legalization bill by Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced). It would legalize and tax online poker in California.

When those surveyed were told Internet poker is illegal in the state but thousands of people still play it without consumer protection, 41% supported legalization and 51% opposed.

Some 74% of voters agreed that foreign websites that violated federal law by accepting U.S. users should be disqualified from getting a license in California.

The statewide telephone survey was conducted by the firm Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates on behalf of  several tribes with opposition to legalizing Internet poker, including the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Barona Band of Mission Indians and the Lytton Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.

"Voters are clearly skeptical about legalizing online poker," said Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro. "Even more toxic are provisions that would grant a license to foreign websites that illegally took bets from Californians in violation of federal law."

The survey was released two days before a legislative fiscal committee is scheduled to consider the bill.

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