Online Poker in California

Is California Going to Regulate Online Poker?

California came somewhat close to regulating online poker already in 2011. There were two bills that would legislate internet poker: one concentrated only on poker and one on online gambling in general. Senator Darrel Steinberg, however, made a statement in which he explained that there was certainly interest in the subject but details couldn't be worked out before the end of the legislative year.

In his letter, Steinberg wrote that work to legislate online poker in California will continue in 2012: "We also believe a significant amount of progress has been made on intrastate internet gaming to the point where, absent unforeseen circumstances, we fully expect an objective proposal will be developed during the interim in time for consideration when the legislature reconvenes in 2012."

It's also thought that all the uncertainty concerning the legality of online poker was a factor; now that the DOJ announced the Wire Act of 1961 doesn't apply to online poker, these problems are gone. All-in-all, looks like California will be among the next states to legislate poker on the internet.

(In related news, the California Online Poker Association launched a play-money online poker room called CalShark in October, 2011, in association with Playtech and Scientific Games. There is, however, real money involved as you can buy play money chips with real money.)

New California Online Gambling Bill

On 24th of February 2012, a new online gambling bill was introduced in California by Steinberg and state Senator Roderick Wright. What the bill hopes to accomplish is to "legalize and regulate online gambling in the state of California".

What Steinberg's representative said:
We believe that there are millions of Californians already gambling illegally on the Internet. This bill sets up some standards and regulations and consumer protections."

What's included in the bill:

• You must be 21 years or older to play.
• Interstate gambling is allowed.
• International gambling is not allowed unless a federal law legalizes it.
• Licenses could be granted for 10 years at a time.
• Licenses could end-up costing poker companies up to $30 million in fees.
• Poker companies must segregate the funds in "registered players accounts" from their other assets.
• Players can set maximum loss and deposit limits.
• A toll-free phone number must be available 24/7, every day of the year.
• Player-to-player transfers are allowed.

More on the bill: www.pokerfuse.com.

Where Can Californians Play Online Poker?

All USA poker sites accept players from California.