Commerce Casino Claims Frank’s Online Poker Bill Would Ship Jobs Out Of U.S.
Last week Gambling911.com reported on how the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) condemned California’s largest poker room, the Commerce Casino, for opposing legislation that would essentially allow for licensing of online poker rooms in the U.S. The bill, sponsored by Congressman Barney Frank, would require strict licensing of such virtual card rooms, all of which would presumably be based on the United States proper.
Presently, all Internet poker rooms operate outside the U.S., though a few still accept players from the States.
Commerce Casino rep Tom Malkasian seemed oblivious to this fact and apparently failed to read the Frank bill.
"America's poker community should be united in opposing the Frank legislation that would ship jobs, revenue and taxes beyond our communities,” he said. “We need to work together to keep American dollars at home."
By borders, Malkasian presumably could have meant California borders. It’s easy to see why the world’s 6th largest economy could view itself as a separate nation we suppose.
Opposition by Commerce stems from the idea that California would lose out by having to compete with other states should federal legislation go into effect.
But poker pros play at the Commerce Casino and there are calls to boycott should the establishment not change its stance on the issue.
Some 7000 players signed the PPA letter.
Patrick Flanagan, Gambling911.com
