Commerce Casino opposes Frank legislation

Some of the largest land-based casinos in California have issued a statement voicing their opposition to proposed legislation from US Congressman Barney Frank over concerns that players may have been misled by special interest groups receiving funds from illegal offshore gaming operators.

Frank’s Internet Gambling Regulation And Consumer Protection And Enforcement Act was recently passed through the House Financial Services Committee by a vote of 41 to 22 and seeks to regulate online gambling in the United States to counter the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) legislation of 2006.

However, California’s Commerce Casino has expressed its opposition to the legislation and has been joined by the state’s Bicycle Casino, Hawaiian Gardens Casino and Hollywood Park Casino.

“Poker players deserve to know the real facts, so let us be clear,” read a statement issued by Tom Malkasian and Haig Papaian, board members for Commerce Casino.

“We support online poker and we are working hard to make sure it will benefit all Americans. America's poker community should be united in opposing the Frank legislation that would ship jobs, revenue and taxes beyond our communities. We need to work together to keep American dollars at home.

“Federal and state regulation of online poker is coming. To date, there have been more than 45 federal Internet gambling bills proposed and 60 state bills in the US. We can either fight to ensure that poker players' interests are legitimately protected or allow illegal foreign operators, who are siphoning millions of American dollars out of this country, to dominate the US market.

“As owners and managers of the state's tax-paying, law-abiding and regulated card rooms, we employ more than 20,000 Californians, generate millions in salaries and benefits, goods and services purchased from local businesses and tax revenues to our local communities and the state.

“In 2008, the California Public Policy Institute estimated that 70 percent of Californians were Internet users. According to another study in 2009, Californians wager an estimated $13.4 billion annually. That makes California the largest Internet gaming market in the world and, without state legislation to protect it, critically-needed billions will be captured by offshore and out-of-state operators never to return. Nevada casinos, offshore companies and Washington insiders don't want California to benefit from its own market. Our economic future is not their concern. We support free enterprise, fair competition and the principle that what plays in California, stays in California.

“In addition, we oppose the Frank bill because it would authorise all types of gaming. We strongly support poker-only legislation. California lawmakers should be the first to bring an illegal enterprise under legal supervision, provide needed consumer protections and capture revenue that can benefit our state first. California must act before the end of the year to protect its own economy to keep market predators out and California dollars in. We believe poker players, informed with the facts, will support our stand.

“We encourage anyone who wants more facts to contact us at SupportOnlinePoker@CommerceCasino.net.”