Online poker bill undergoes last minute changes in California
A group of Native American casino operators had previously opposed the California bill, which is now being amended to address their concerns.
US.- A bill that would legalise online poker in California is being amended to address concerns by a Native American casino operators group who didn’t agree with the measure, setting the stage for a possible vote in the state Assembly.
One of the biggest changes to the bill created by Assemblyman Adam gray would set a five year disqualification period for online poker games provider to US citizens whilst it was against federal law to do so.
A group of Native American tribes casino operators did not agree with the bill when it allowed providers easier access to state internet poker licenses. The amendment addresses what the Native Americans asked for. The bill is also amended to change the tax rate for Internet poker sites from a sliding scale of 8.64 percent to 15 percent based on the annual gross gaming revenue to a rate of 10 percent.
According to Trent Hager, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Adam Gray: “This deal should secure two third votes in the Assembly. It will be fairly well received in the Senate.”
