Online Poker: Part of the Solution to California’s Budget Crisis

California's recently passed budget calls for massive cuts to education, police, fire and services to the poor and the disable if $4 billion in new revenue is not found by December. 

There are no “silver bullets” to the state’s budget and economic challenges, but online poker is part of the solution to help solve the crisis.

Today, nearly two million Californians wager $13 billion playing unregulated online poker; 60 percent of all players in America. None of this money stays in California, going instead to support illegal, offshore interests. Nothing stops these operators from targeting children and enticing them to gamble. Senate Bill 40 is carefully written to regulate and limit gaming, while keeping the revenue and jobs here in California, helping state and local governments.

Research proves that online poker will help. An economic impact study conducted by former California Finance Director Timothy L. Gage concluded that the authorization and regulation of online poker in California would generate more than a billion dollars in new revenue for the state within the first 10 years. Additionally, public opinion research demonstrates overwhelming support – 66 percent of California voters support the state legalizing and regulating online poker in California and establishing strong safeguards and consumer protections.

Under Senate Bill 40, which would authorize the operation and regulation of online poker in California, the state’s online poker system would be operated by California’s trusted gaming partners – tribes and card rooms - instead of offshore or out-of-state companies. That way we can make sure the jobs and revenue stay here in California.

If you care about California’s future, join the coalition supporting online poker. It will help balance the budget, create jobs and deliver revenue we need to support important public services.

Keep our jobs and revenue here!
Join the coalition supporting SB 40 today.