The negative reaction of the California Tribal Business Alliance to the news that Pokerstars may be negotiating with Californian tribal and poker interests with a view to entering a legalised market (see previous reports) has been echoed by other tribes in a statement that is strikingly similar.
Twelve additional tribes have expressed concerns about “bad actors” (companies that continued to offer online poker services in the USA after the passage of the UIGEA in 2006), using this as a justification for opposing what could be a competitive threat should California ever legalise online poker.
Two of the tribes – the San Manuel and Pechanga Bands have their interests represented in two competing legalisation bills currently before the state legislature; both feature the exclusion of bad actors in what is widely interpreted as a protectionist tactic.
The latest “bad actor” objection signed off 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 behaviour and tainted brands and assets would erode the integrity of Intrastate Internet poker under consideration.”
The statement calls on lawmakers to maintain bad actor provisions and strict regulations against the intrusion of “…unscrupulous entities and brands from any involvement in legislatively authorised internet poker opportunities.”
The following tribes support the new statement:
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 .
Yocha Dehe
Wintun Nation.