California Is Ready For Online Poker

Its full speed ahead on legalizing online poker in the state of California by authorizing an intrastate poker system. Just before the weekend Senator Rod Wright introduced (according to EGR, the amended Version of SB 1485) that will essentially see online poker offered in the state.

California is need of a different source of revenue , therefore the bill has been given urgency status. By being granted this status , the bill only needs the signature of the governor in order for it to come into effect. Any bill not granted this status should wait until the beginning of 2011 to come into effect.

California certainly needs the revenue. The latest numbers show that the state’s budget deficit has grown to $19 billion, and with higher costs and greater rates of unemployment, this will only rise.

Ironically, the federal level Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is set to kick in June 1st the very same day the bill will appear before California legislators.

Senator Rod Wright amended bill will have the Department of Justice award a total of three contracts, each for 5 years, for operators to run online poker sites. Under the conditions that these sites are ran by Californian based companies and that California residents can only play at them.

The state believes that by introducing a safe and regulated option for Californians, money will land in state coffers and poker fans will be able to make a calculated choice about their gaming options. Even though online poker experts fear that the fact that the poker sites will limit uses to state residents only could mean a small player pool and true poker fans will still seek the services off offshore sites.