Update: COPA Breaks Down - Calshark Closes Its Doors

After the unexpected announcement of the dissolution of the tribal group and card room internet poker legalization alliance COPA, the organization's fun-play, Playtech-powered site Calshark closed its doors to operation as well. In an email sent to its members, the site advises: "We hope you have enjoyed the competition and state-of-the-art experience offered by CalShark, which has consistently provided players with the thrill of playing live poker on their personal computers. “CalShark was launched by the California Online Poker Association (COPA) and dedicated to providing players with the highest-quality play-for-free experience available online. Our goal was to seamlessly transition CalShark to live, real-money play after online poker was legalized in California. "Unfortunately, despite more than three years of effort, the State Legislature has not acted on Internet poker legislation and COPA has decided to dissolve. As a result, CalShark will be closing immediately. COPA and the staff at CalShark deeply appreciate your support, and we hope you enjoyed your time on our site. If the situation changes, we'll let you know. "Meanwhile, we hope you will continue to encourage Calif. Senators Rod Wright and Darrell Steinberg to pass a bill that will allow California's trusted poker operators -- tribal governments and licensed card clubs -- to offer intrastate on-line poker in a way that protects the rights and interests of Californians who want to play poker on-line and also helps the State budget."