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California is stuck in a money pit and cant get their heads above water as a result they are now considering how they can allow online poker to take place.  California already has licenced bricks and mortar Casino's which are held on Indian reservations and act as the main source of income for these tribes.  The tribes currently pay $1 million per day for their licence.  What the new law proposes is that the tribes take on a responsiblilty for intrastate online poker.  This means only residents of California may play online poker. 

Uniting the tribes has been an issue for as far back as records go and today was no different.  The debate saw the pro's and con's of why the tribes should and shouldn't accept the law change for online poker.  The figures sound brilliant and California needs money in the bank.  Also if California does not get involved first in the US then which ever other state does may get the boom from new jobs being created, offices opening as the online poker companies set up shop.

Ladbrokes Managing Director for eGaming Ed Andrewes was invited to attend and contribute.

"Why would people come off the illegal sites to play legal sites?" said Andrewes, restating a question asked earlier by a legislator. "(Because) players want to play on regulated sites. They want to play where they can find the trust and share the trust."

Paddy Power also provided representation with Barry Cormac who gave specifics on the market

There is "a very significant pent up demand," Barry said. "Based on research from GBGC (Global Betting and Gaming Consultants), the California online poker market will be $150 to $200 million within three years," Barry said.

"California can have a significant license fee, one larger than Italy," Barry added. "(You) can easily charge single digit millions and a have a higher surcharge than France -- around 5 to 7 percent -- because the operators want access to the U.S. market."

We think at Poker Shark that the governor will sort the arguing tribes out with some basic Arnie logic, maybe challenging them to a game of poker and before you know it 'I need your clothes, your motorcycle and your boots.'  Just give him what he wants and no one gets hurt!

Remember its Full Tilt February and the exclusive Poker Shark online poker tournament seats are beginning to fill.  All you need to do to get your seat in our own private tournament where you play against the Poker Shark team is open an account with Full Tilt through us, deposit and we will invite you to the February tournament which will be a freeroll event.  Also check out what is happening at FTOPS XV at Full Tilt.

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