Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer’s online poker bill AB 167 is one of several vying for the opportunity to legalize online poker within the state of California. The bill has received scrutiny from invested parties in the state, including several Indian tribes. A group of select tribes within California have now formally announced their dislike of the new bill with a letter sent to the creator of the legislation, Reggie Jones-Sawyer.
According to OnlinePokerReport, a letter was sent to the Assemblyman just yesterday from a group of six tribes urging Jones-Sawyer to not pursue the bill or a measure of similar language. The coalition of Indian tribes feels as though the legislation is ‘fatally flawed’.
This letter is just another example as to how the Indian tribes cannot seem to be in agreement with legislation to begin offering online poker within the state. In the letter, there are two issues that are the main topic of discussion. The participation of horse racing associations operating in the online poker industry as well as prohibiting ‘bad actors’ as well as ‘tainted assets’.
These are the same issues that halted the process in 2014 and seem to be the main reason why online poker is not taking place within the state today. In the letter, the coalition states that the citizens of California deserve protection from bad actors. The tribes believe the language in AB 167 is not sufficient to protect the integrity of the market within the state. They believe the bill provides no protection and would reward gaming corporations that acted inconsistent with federal laws by authorizing such companies to use the ‘fruits of their illegal conduct’ to obtain an operating license within the state.
On the subject of horse racing tracks, the letter discusses how voters have rejected the idea of expanding gaming at horseracing facilities by as much as 84% against the option. It also notes that voters have been in support of tribal government gaming many times in the past.
The letter was signed by the Tribal Chairman of the following tribes and can be read in full, here:
- Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
- Barona Band of Mission Indians
- Lytton Band of Pomo Indians
- Pechangea Band of Luiseno Indians
- Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
- Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation
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