California introduces another online poker bill

[The Buzz]

Will this be the one? Only time will tell, but California has introduced another bill that would legalize and regulate online poker in the state. Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Sen. Roderick Wright (D-Inglewood) introduced the legislation on Friday.

From PokerNews:

The Internet Gambling Consumer Protection and Public-Private Partnership Act of 2012, also known as SB 1463, seeks to generate "hundreds of millions of dollars" for the state in the fiscal year 2012-13. California is facing one of its most concerning budgetary crises in its history, and many state politicians have looked to online gaming to help get the budget under control.

Upon becoming a law, operators will be able to apply for a 10-year license once the regulatory framework is in place. If approved, operators will pay licensing fees of $30 million, credited against gross gaming revenue proceeds for the first three years of operation.

The bill states that only online poker would be permitted for the first two years of regulation. "After that two-year period, the department may phase in other games allowed under the California Constitution and the Penal Code," the bill states.

[bradz21]

Very interesting...

[Anthony]

With the state getting large fees upfront, this might have a chance of passing. All about the money.

[usaonlinecasino]

With the state getting large fees upfront, this might have a chance of passing. All about the money.

That's true. The benefit will draw more states to follow up, especially when it is hard to struggle in the economical crisis.

[FictionNet]

I think the most optimistic aspect of that article is the reference to non-poker gaming. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean an optimistic future for affiliates...