An illustration of an online poker player. (Photo: photosani)Thirteen of California’s casino-owning tribes have agreed on a plan to legalize internet poker in California, a move that could tap an estimated $845 million market and create the nation’s largest online poker system. One major tribe, the Banning-based Morongo Band of Mission Indians, was not a party to the agreement.
A computer keyboard flanked by the elements of traditional poker. (Photo: Pedro Sala)As negotiations intensify over establishing internet poker in California, a study commissioned by several casino-owning tribes says online gaming could result in $845 million in revenue and more than 2,600 new jobs by 2020. The figures stem in part from an analysis of legislation that was considered – and rejected — by lawmakers last year. Similar legislation is the focus of negotiations this year, but so far an agreement has proven elusive.
A critical sticking point in private negotiations over authorizing internet poker in California became public Thursday when a tribal chairman announced his intention to bring in an international online gaming firm as a subcontractor to conduct operations in California – but only if the state approves the new legislation.