In recent weeks there have been rumors floating around the iGaming industry that the Pechanga Coalition in California has changed its opinion regarding bad actors and were even seeking an alliance with PokerStars.
It has now been confirmed that not only are these rumors, the coalition has reaffirmed its stance against bad actors and continue to stand against PokerStars having a part in legalized online poker in the state.
Pechanga Reaffirms Stance on PokerStars
Internet gaming's best and brightest came together for GiGse 2015 late last month in San Francisco and one of the panels discussed at length the issue of online poker regulation in California. Coming into this conference many were hopeful for positive progress towards legislation. Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro quickly crushed those hopes Macarro testified that the Pechanga are still completely against any online poker bill that includes PokerStars or any other bad actor participating in the state.
He addressed the rumor, specifically stating unequivocally that Pechanga has “never suggested an alliance with PokerStars to get a bill done."
PokerStars Not the Only Stumbling Block for Pechanga
Since its tance on PokerStars remains unchanged it’s little surprise that the Pechanga tribe revealed that its stance regarding racetracks is also unchanged.
The Pechanga have long held a belief that online poker represents an expansion of gambling for racetracks. California citizens have voted this down in the past.
This issue could actually prove more damaging to California's chances for legalization than bad actors because of support for state racetracks.
The Pechanga Coalition is the only group currently opposed to their inclusion but proving to be the only opposition that matters.
Furthermore, Governor Jerry Brown has issued his own ultimatum regarding racetracks. He has stated that if their concerns are not addressed, he will veto the bill. Ultimately it is either find a solution for the race tracks or continue to hold up the process.
What Will the AB 431 Vote Mean?
For now AB 431 remains a shell bill and the Pechanga have chosen to remain neutral on it. However, at some point both issues must be addressed. The Morongo Coalition has PokerStars signed on as its online provider so will likely not submit without a fight.
State racetracks must be addressed in some manner or face a veto from the governor. Note lawmakers have loosely discussed revenue sharing as an alternative to allowing tracks to participate but this option has proven unpopular to the horse racing industry.
Any bill that includes either provision will surely be fought by the Pechanga, likely meaning more delays in the process. The coming weeks will shape the direction for the bill in 2015 but it is hard to see significant change developing that would allow Pechanga to give its support.