California might consider intranet poker network
California lawmakers soon might be looking at a bill that allows the state to regulate online poker as long as the players and wagering hubs are inside the state’s boundaries.
The proposed legislation was first reported by the IGamingNews.com, which posted a January draft of the bill on its Web site. Under the plan, the California State Gambling Commission, in conjunction with the state Department of Justice, would draft and adopt regulations for an online intrastate poker network.
California’s licensed card rooms and California American Indian tribes with active state compacts would be allowed to operate the sites. Only poker games currently approved for play in California casinos and card rooms could be offered. Gaming taxes would be collected on a rate similar to what card rooms currently pay.
The legislation also allows players to set limits on what they can wager over a 24-hour period and offers safeguards that insure deposits and wagering activity.
IGamingNews.com said the bill was submitted to the California legislative analyst earlier this year.