Internet poker bill undergoes last-minute changes ahead of showdown vote

A long-delayed bill that would legalize Internet poker in California is being amended to address concerns by a group of Native American casino operators who had opposed the measure, setting the stage for a possible vote in the state Assembly on Monday.

One change to the bill by Assemblyman Adam Gray would create a five-year disqualification period for those who were providing I-poker games to U.S. citizens while it was against federal law to do so.

A group of Native American tribes that operate casinos had opposed the bill when it allowed so-called “bad actors” easier access to state I-poker licenses. The amendment appears to address what those opponents had asked for.

The bill is also being amended to change the tax rate for I-poker sites from a sliding scale of from 8.64% to 15% based on the annual gross gaming revenue to a flat rate of 10%.

“This deal should secure 2/3rds [vote] in Assembly,” said Trent Hager, the chief of staff for Gray, in an email. He added indications are that “it will be fairly well received in the Senate.”

Let's block ads! (Why?)

from Poker