The California Tribal Business Alliance Demands Regarding Online Poker Regulation

The California Tribal Business Alliance believes the following principles must be adhered to for any online gaming legislation at the state or federal level. The legislation must:

• Not compromise the inherent rights of tribal governments, modify the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or undermine existing tribal-state gaming compacts.

• Allow tribes to accept wagers from persons not on Indian lands.

• Not limit tribal participation via targeted restrictions. In other words, not create a monopoly.

• Be limited to Internet poker.

• Not allow play at Internet cafes.

• Not allow players to withdraw winnings at brick-and-mortar casinos.

• Use regulatory standards comparable to those required of Indian gaming.

• Not allow foreign companies, their principals and contractors that violated the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to participate in any authorized Internet-gaming system.

• Not impose a tax on Indian gaming.

• Not violate the federal Wire Act of 1961, which prohibits certain types of betting and wagering businesses.

• Be based on realistic assumptions, including true costs and the length of time it will take to implement a regulatory regime and employ qualified regulatory personnel.