New Californian Online Poker Legislation Delayed Until 2014

While the American states of Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey have already embraced the idea of online poker, California is a bit behind its neighbors. Now, though, American gambling laws are overdue another shake up, as Californian Senator Lou Correa has proposed a bill that will legalize the running of online poker rooms from the sunny southern state.

However, prominent poker lobby group, Poker Players Alliance, has recently posted that the bill will be delayed until 2014, with the current Californian legislative session due to come to a close on September 6th this year.

With online poker sites in America few and far between, this was seen as a chance for the state to rake in extra tax income and boost its coffers in a time when its economic struggles are easing.

The bill, entitled “Authorization and Regulation of Internet Poker and Consumer Protection Act of 2013”, has backed up its lengthy title with a length gestation period. With many American gamblers often having difficulty finding online casinos accepting American players, any legislation that frees up American internet casinos is welcome.

On the matter at hand, Senator Correa commented: “In order to protect the interests of Californians who play internet, poker games and to ensure that people play fair games, that the state realises the revenues, and that suitable persons operate intrastate internet poker games, it is necessary that this act take effect immediately.”

New Jersey is expected to become the latest state to offer online gambling later this year, following in the footsteps of Delaware and Nevada. Nevada was the first state to allow online poker, earlier this year, with Delaware following swiftly behind. As the industry is gradually legalized and regulated across the USA, the path is opening for greater gambling freedom.