California online gambling still a hot topic

[The Buzz]

The San Francisco Chronicle ran a story over the weekend that said two Democratic state senators and a Republican congressman continue to push for the legalization of online gambling in California.

Supporters of online gambling say that the recession - and California's $26.6 billion budget deficit - have improved the prospects of tapping the state's estimated 500,000 online poker players to eventually bring the state $100 million a year in tax revenue and 1,100 to 3,000 new tech-related jobs.

At the same time, a recent survey showed that a strong majority of Californians - 66 percent - would back state regulation and taxation of online poker profits. The survey of 600 voters was done by San Francisco pollster Ben Tulchin for Indian gambling organizations and cardrooms.

"For the first time, I have real hope," said Tom Goldstein, a Washington attorney who has long worked on gaming issues. "I think we'll see either state or federal legislation in the next 18 months."

Then today the Chronicle ran another story that says the the 62,000-member Peace Officers Research Association of California support efforts to legalize online poker.

The PORACers "also applauded SB 40 for simultaneously generating new revenues to balance the state budget without raising taxes."

[cassy]

In these case, only higher jurisdiction can provide the answer. Legalizing gambling is a very serious topic to handle for there are many things to be taken consideration.