Online Poker Battle Begins In California As Casinos Take To Radio

The online poker battle in the US has heightened since Black Friday several months ago. The call for regulation of one of the most popular hobbies has increased tremendously, and it is most notable in California where casino owners have taken to the airwaves to pressure politicians.

Lawmakers all across the country have been under the gun since Black Friday, with thousands of their constituents calling to voice their displeasure with the current laws. On a federal level, lawmakers have started working on legislation that would end online gambling prohibition, but the states may beat the federal government to the punch.

In Sacramento, casino owners have taken out ads on television and on the radio that suggest lawmakers should regulate online poker. The California Online Poker Association is at the center of the ads, and the pressure they are applying is centered on the financial benefits of online gambling.

"Online poker will provide California with $250 million immediately and billions more in the future," said Ryan Hightower, A spokesman for the association, as resorted by the Los Angeles Times.

The association represents some of the top land-based casinos in California. Included in the group is Hollywood Park Casino, Commerce Casino, and the Bicycle Club. Indian gaming halls are represented as well, most notably, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Not all tribal groups are excited about the prospects of Internet gambling. Several tribes have joined forces with anti-online poker groups in an effort to persuade legislators to take a longer look at the possible effects of regulating online poker. Among those effects are the possibility that gamblers will begin playing poker at home, and revenue at land-based casinos will decline.

The federal push for online poker appears headed towards a debate in Congress. With millions of Americans losing their right to play online after Black Friday, even former anti-regulation lawmakers such as Senator Jon Kyl have softened their stance on the issue. Kyl claims that he would consider a bill regulating online poker.

August 19, 2011
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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