The Online Poker Rush Is On In California

California Online Poker Association laid all the cards on the table with only one month remaining in Senator Lou Correa's SB40 by airing a television and radio campaign this week. The COPA draws on the biggest card in the deck with a compelling ad that appeals to Californians to contact their local representatives to support Correa bill. In the radio announcement: "Unfortunately, nurses, police, fire and services for the poor and disabled will all be cut again if California doesn't find $4 billion in new revenue by December. "There is a solution. By approving online poker, California has the ability to tap $250 million in new money immediately and billions in years to come. "California needs the money and Californians need the jobs." The California Tribal Business Alliance is urging legislation to not pass the bill because of the exclusive limitations of licenses that may prevent them from getting one. "Even though there have been hearings on the matter of intrastate internet poker, many fiscal, legal, technical and policy related questions must be resolved before adoption of any intrastate internet gaming legislation," the letter asserts. There are numerous stakeholders who stand to be irreparably harmed should legislation be 'ram-rodded' through this legislative year and this surely would be a disservice to all Californians, Tribal and Non-Tribal, alike," says the letter, which is signed by Robert H. Smith, chairman of the California Tribal Business Alliance. "For these reasons, we believe the Legislature should not take any action on intrastate internet poker legislation during the final month of the legislative year and should instead opt to utilize the Interim to work with all interested parties to develop a consensus bill." A hearing on Internet gambling will take place with the Governmental Organization Committee on August 24th at the state Capitol.