Online Gambling bill proposed for California
Last Updated on by James King
In the latest development in US online gambling legislation, the state of California has emerged as a surprise name, after a bill was proposed by two congressmen that would give tribal casinos more ease of access into an online casino.
Should this be successful, it would mean that tribal casino would provide their customers with an online gaming option and help them substantially increase their reach.
The bill in question, which has been given the name HR 4308 was introduced by California Representatives John Katko and Lou Correa, with the reason being simple. Following the approval of more new online gambling legislation in many states over the last 12 months, this bill, if passed, would mean those tribal casinos can compete in the industry and retain their customers.
With the unlocking of this major new revenue stream for the tribal community, it would mean that they can continue to use this for the improvement of healthcare and education for their people.
Correa was particularly vocal about how important this new bill was, as quoted by FocusGN: “This bill would clarify that, for purposes of tribal government gaming, the location of the wager occurs at the location of the server, unless a state and Indian tribe otherwise agree.
“Making this clarification will keep intact the current system of tribal gaming and eliminate any frivolous litigation.”
He followed: “Congress needs to provide the clarification in my bill to ensure that tribal gaming is not relegated to the same fate as Blockbuster, but can move forward and thrive like Netflix in the era of the internet”.
What are tribal casinos?
Tribal casinos are top-rated in some areas of the US and are more commonly associated with states in the midwest. They refer to land-based casinos that are almost exclusively owned by traditional Indian-American communities, who are effectively their own independent nation.
As a result, all of the revenue and profits from these tribal casinos are then invested back into the community to help improve living conditions and provide work opportunities.
The passing of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 granted Native American tribes the right to establish casinos on their land, having been recognised by the Federal Government.
Could this have a knock-on effect?
Should this bill be passed for California, it could set a precedent for other states in which there are tribal casinos but where online gambling is currently banned.
California has long held a staunch stance when it comes to any gambling activity and it is not uncommon for its residents to flock to the neighbouring state of Nevada, which plays home to the prestigious resort of Las Vegas.
If this bill is passed, it will allow residents in the state to engage in online gambling, albeit via the website of a tribal casino. In addition, should this prove successful, it could mean that it could be hard for other states to find a reason not to approve similar bills.