Tribes Oppose PokerStars Entering Californian Poker Market

California Tribal Business Alliance opposed fiercely the possibility of PokerStars negotiating poker interests in the state and it has been supported by other tribes in an official statement.

PokerStars’ attempt to find a way to enter Californian poker market, which is legal according to the US gambling laws, is strongly opposed by Native American tribes.

Twelve more tribes expressed their concerns about the influence of the “bad actors”, which continued to offer online poker after the UIGEA passed in 2006. These tribes consider this as a very serious competition if California ever legalize US online poker rooms in the state.

The statement

The last “bad actor” complaint signed by the tribes says: “Although we presently have slightly differing views on a legislative framework for Intrastate internet poker in California, our tribal governments are united in our steadfast opposition to the easing of regulatory standards that would accommodate bad actors whose past behavior and tainted brands and assets would erode the integrity of Intrastate Internet poker under consideration.”

The statement also urges lawmakers to maintain the bad actor provisions and the strict regulations against the invasion of “unscrupulous entities and brands from any involvement in legislatively authorized internet poker opportunities.”

The tribes, which supported this statement, were: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Barona Band of Mission Indians, Kumeyaay Indians, Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Sycuan Band of United Auburn Indian Community, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.