Golden State considering legalizing Internet Poker, as debate over the move continues.
Popular poker pro Phil Hellmuth said this week that he is excited for Internet poker to be legalized in California, as several state lawmakers continue to try to push the bill through the legislature.
It's Going to be Huge
Hellmuth, an 11-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and one of the most recognizable faces in the industry, said this week during a WSOP event: "It's going to be huge...They say California alone will generate as much online poker revenue as the country of Italy.
However, lawmakers face an uphill battle to approve the new measure, after the Los Angeles Times conducted a poll which showed that only half of people support online poker legalization in California. The survey showed that the other half of respondents say online gambling would be detrimental for young people.
State of Play
The Internet Gambling Consumer Protection and Public Private Partnership Act of 2012 was introduced after the US Department of Justice ruled that in-state online poker does not violate federal laws against online gambling. But it has stagnated, and has not seen any formal debate since late March.
Earlier in May, a California gaming commissioner called his state "the sleeping giant," pointing out that California has a population of almost 40 million, compared with Nevada's less than three million residents and four millions visitors per month. However, the commissioner questioned whether California could formulate a viable law.
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
