New Jersey’s decision on Pala Interactive sends a mixed message
By: Hartley Henderson - Exclusive to OSGA.com
Published: Dec 1, 2014
Last month the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) gave the Pala Band of Mission Indians a license to offer online poker in New Jersey in partnership with Borgata and with the license they had to determine whether Jim Ryan, the CEO of Pala Interactive was a "bad actor". They stated that New Jersey had no concern about Jim Ryan and his history with Excapsa Gaming claiming that Ryan never violated the UIGEA and he was in no way connected to the cheating scandal at UltimateBet. The decision has many, including myself, scratching our heads because it is inconsistent with other decisions the DGE has made. To understand the whole situation it's important to look at Ryan's history in the industry.
Read Full Article Here-->New Jersey’s decision on Pala Interactive sends a mixed message
Also:
Real-Money Gaming Operator, Pala Interactive, Retains KCSA Strategic Communications as PR Agency of Record
Pala becomes first tribe to launch Internet gaming site in N.J.
Pala Interactive live in New Jersey with Palacasino.com
Ten-time bracelet winner Phil Ivey took to Twitter to congratulate Pala Interactive on its successful New Jersey launch.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Pala Interactive
NJ: No proof that Pala CEO knew of cheating
Wayne Parry, Associated Press · November 20, 2014
Wayne Parry, Associated Press · November 20, 2014
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) – New Jersey’s chief gambling regulator says a preliminary investigation has found no proof that the CEO of a tribal Internet gambling company was involved in or knew of an online cheating scandal at a previous job.
David Rebuck, director of the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, said Jim Ryan, chief executive of Pala Interactive, was CEO of a company whose software was used to cheat online card players in 2006. Pala started offering Internet gambling in New Jersey this week, the first Indian tribe to do so.
In a letter posted on the division’s website Thursday afternoon, Rebuck said an investigation of the UltimateBet scandal determined that it occurred while Ryan was head of Excapsa Software. That firm’s software was used to cheat players by revealing their hidden cards to other users, resulting in losses of nearly $20 million to players. The money was ultimately refunded. But the software was actually developed by a different company that pre-dated Ryan’s employment at Excapsa, according to the report.
“I had no knowledge of it, was not involved,” Ryan told The Associated Press. “It was incredibly regrettable. It was a pretty sophisticated scheme.”
His current company, Pala Interactive, began a test of its new software this week in New Jersey. The company is owned by the California-based Pala Tribe of Mission Indians. The company expects final approval over the weekend to launch its full palacasino.com site on Monday. Ryan said the software Pala is using in New Jersey now is different and has been tested by the state.
Full Article: NJ: No proof that Pala CEO knew of cheatingFriday, November 14, 2014
New Partnership for Pala Interactive
Optimal Payments Announces Partnership with Pala Interactive to Provide Payment Processing Services for U.S. Regulated Online Gaming Market
Company to support the launch of Pala Interactive's online gaming platform in New Jersey with its comprehensive payment solutions for gaming operators
LONDON, MONTREAL and NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Optimal Payments Plc (LSE AIM: OPAY) ("Optimal Payments"), a leading global online payment solutions provider, today announced that it has partnered with Pala Interactive, LLC, an emerging leader in the online, real-money gaming space, to provide them with payment processing services for the U.S. regulated online gaming market.
Earlier this month, Pala Interactive successfully obtained authorization, via its partnership with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, from the New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to provide real-money online gaming in the state.
Optimal Payments' complete suite of payment processing services for regulated online gaming in the U.S. including, its NETBANX® payment gateway and NETELLER® and Net+® stored value services, are now available through Pala Interactive's online gaming platform. Pala Interactive's customers will have access to credit/debit cards, electronic checks (ACH), NETELLER/Net+ and various alternative payment options.
"We selected Optimal Payments as our payment processing partner because the company has created and delivers the best integrated gaming and payments solution to global markets," said Jim Ryan, chief executive officer, Pala Interactive. "A key element of our strategy is to partner with best-in-breed providers, such as Optimal Payments, that bring expertise in payment processing and risk management services. Together, we will address the needs of the regulated U.S. gaming market, state-by-state."
"This partnership supports our ongoing strategy to build a complete solution for the regulated U.S. gaming market that will enable operators to bridge land-based casino infrastructure with the online world," added Joel Leonoff, president & CEO, Optimal Payments. "The Pala Group is a widely respected leader in land-based gaming in California, and through its Pala Interactive joint venture, it expects to provide the best possible online gaming experience to its casino partners. We are pleased to be working with Pala and its customers, and this agreement demonstrates our ability to provide real value to both technology providers and gaming operators alike."
About Pala Interactive, LLC
Pala Interactive, LLC in an online real money and social gaming operator that was founded in 2013 in anticipation of upcoming U.S. state legislation permitting real-money internet wagering. Focused on delivering an excellent user experience to consumers through its proprietary platform, Pala Interactive plans to be a material market participant in the US regulated online gaming market. The Company's majority shareholder is the Pala Band of Mission Indians, which owns and operates the Pala Casino Spa and Resort in Pala, California.
About Optimal Payments Plc
Optimal Payments is a global provider of online payment solutions, trusted by businesses and consumers in over 200 countries and territories to move and manage billions of dollars each year. Merchants use the NETBANX® platform and services to simplify how they accept credit and debit card, direct-from-bank, and alternative and local payments; and the NETELLER® service to increase revenues and capture new customers. Consumers use the multilingual and multicurrency NETELLER and Net+® Card stored-value offering to make secure and convenient payments. In July 2014, Optimal Payments acquired Meritus Payment Solutions and GMA as part of the company's commitment to strengthen its presence in the US market. Optimal Payments Plc is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM, with a ticker symbol of OPAY. Subsidiary company Optimal Payments Ltd is authorised and regulated as an e-money issuer by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 900015).
http://www.optimalpayments.com
Company to support the launch of Pala Interactive's online gaming platform in New Jersey with its comprehensive payment solutions for gaming operators
LONDON, MONTREAL and NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Optimal Payments Plc (LSE AIM: OPAY) ("Optimal Payments"), a leading global online payment solutions provider, today announced that it has partnered with Pala Interactive, LLC, an emerging leader in the online, real-money gaming space, to provide them with payment processing services for the U.S. regulated online gaming market.
Earlier this month, Pala Interactive successfully obtained authorization, via its partnership with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, from the New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to provide real-money online gaming in the state.
Optimal Payments' complete suite of payment processing services for regulated online gaming in the U.S. including, its NETBANX® payment gateway and NETELLER® and Net+® stored value services, are now available through Pala Interactive's online gaming platform. Pala Interactive's customers will have access to credit/debit cards, electronic checks (ACH), NETELLER/Net+ and various alternative payment options.
"We selected Optimal Payments as our payment processing partner because the company has created and delivers the best integrated gaming and payments solution to global markets," said Jim Ryan, chief executive officer, Pala Interactive. "A key element of our strategy is to partner with best-in-breed providers, such as Optimal Payments, that bring expertise in payment processing and risk management services. Together, we will address the needs of the regulated U.S. gaming market, state-by-state."
"This partnership supports our ongoing strategy to build a complete solution for the regulated U.S. gaming market that will enable operators to bridge land-based casino infrastructure with the online world," added Joel Leonoff, president & CEO, Optimal Payments. "The Pala Group is a widely respected leader in land-based gaming in California, and through its Pala Interactive joint venture, it expects to provide the best possible online gaming experience to its casino partners. We are pleased to be working with Pala and its customers, and this agreement demonstrates our ability to provide real value to both technology providers and gaming operators alike."
About Pala Interactive, LLC
Pala Interactive, LLC in an online real money and social gaming operator that was founded in 2013 in anticipation of upcoming U.S. state legislation permitting real-money internet wagering. Focused on delivering an excellent user experience to consumers through its proprietary platform, Pala Interactive plans to be a material market participant in the US regulated online gaming market. The Company's majority shareholder is the Pala Band of Mission Indians, which owns and operates the Pala Casino Spa and Resort in Pala, California.
About Optimal Payments Plc
Optimal Payments is a global provider of online payment solutions, trusted by businesses and consumers in over 200 countries and territories to move and manage billions of dollars each year. Merchants use the NETBANX® platform and services to simplify how they accept credit and debit card, direct-from-bank, and alternative and local payments; and the NETELLER® service to increase revenues and capture new customers. Consumers use the multilingual and multicurrency NETELLER and Net+® Card stored-value offering to make secure and convenient payments. In July 2014, Optimal Payments acquired Meritus Payment Solutions and GMA as part of the company's commitment to strengthen its presence in the US market. Optimal Payments Plc is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM, with a ticker symbol of OPAY. Subsidiary company Optimal Payments Ltd is authorised and regulated as an e-money issuer by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 900015).
For more information on Optimal Payments visit www.optimalpayments.com or subscribe at http://www.optimalpayments.com/media/email-alerts.
SOURCE Optimal Payments Plc
RELATED LINKShttp://www.optimalpayments.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Pala Interactive In The News
Borgata, Pala Indians OK'd for online gambling
By WAYNE PARRY, Associated Press Wednesday, November 5, 2014
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey gambling regulators have approved a California Indian tribe's request to offer Internet gambling in conjunction with Atlantic City's top casino.
The state's Gaming Enforcement Division has authorized Pala Interactive to team with the Borgata to offer online gambling in New Jersey.
The Pala Band of Mission Indians will be the first Indian tribe to engage in online gambling in New Jersey. The enforcement division signed an order approving the arrangement last Friday.
"Hopefully we're going to surprise and delight and build some meaningful market share in New Jersey," said Jim Ryan, the company's CEO. He formerly ran the bwin.party online gambling company with which the Borgata already is partnered for online gambling in New Jersey.
The tribe runs the land-based Pala Casino and Spa in San Diego County, California, and wanted to expand its brand onto the Internet, Ryan said.
Read Full Article Here-->Borgata, Pala Indians OK'd for online gambling
More News Links:
Pala Interactive Partners with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to Offer New Jersey Internet Gaming - Pala Granted Transactional Waiver by Division of Gaming Enforcement
New Jersey DGE Gives Conditional Approval to Borgata, Pala Interactive Partnership
By WAYNE PARRY, Associated Press Wednesday, November 5, 2014
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey gambling regulators have approved a California Indian tribe's request to offer Internet gambling in conjunction with Atlantic City's top casino.
The state's Gaming Enforcement Division has authorized Pala Interactive to team with the Borgata to offer online gambling in New Jersey.
The Pala Band of Mission Indians will be the first Indian tribe to engage in online gambling in New Jersey. The enforcement division signed an order approving the arrangement last Friday.
"Hopefully we're going to surprise and delight and build some meaningful market share in New Jersey," said Jim Ryan, the company's CEO. He formerly ran the bwin.party online gambling company with which the Borgata already is partnered for online gambling in New Jersey.
The tribe runs the land-based Pala Casino and Spa in San Diego County, California, and wanted to expand its brand onto the Internet, Ryan said.
Read Full Article Here-->Borgata, Pala Indians OK'd for online gambling
More News Links:
Pala Interactive Partners with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to Offer New Jersey Internet Gaming - Pala Granted Transactional Waiver by Division of Gaming Enforcement
New Jersey DGE Gives Conditional Approval to Borgata, Pala Interactive Partnership
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Santa Ysabel Goes Live With Online Bingo
Santa Ysabel Online Gambling Goes Live in California, But Not With Poker
November 4th, 2014 by Philip Conneller
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, the go-it-alone tribal gaming operator that has vowed to launch a real-money online poker site whether California legalizes it or not, began offering real money online gaming this week. But it’s not poker, it’s bingo.
#
The tribe has made clear that it is interested only in poker and bingo.
“House-banked games and slot machines are defined as Class III games, and can only be offered in a tribal casino upon agreement with the state through a Tribal-State Gaming Compact,” it says on its website. “Santa Ysabel has had such a compact with the state since 2005, but has no plans to offer Class III gaming through its interactive website.”
Certainly, the tribe’s efforts to launch online poker in the California may depend on the success, or lack thereof, of the new bingo site and whether it receives legal challenges. And it’s likely that there will be legal challenges. The Iipays believe they have discovered a legal loophole in IGRA that defines bingo and poker as Class II gaming, but that assumes that bingo and poker are the same as online bingo and online poker, in a legal sense.
November 4th, 2014 by Philip Conneller
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, the go-it-alone tribal gaming operator that has vowed to launch a real-money online poker site whether California legalizes it or not, began offering real money online gaming this week. But it’s not poker, it’s bingo.
#
The tribe has made clear that it is interested only in poker and bingo.
“House-banked games and slot machines are defined as Class III games, and can only be offered in a tribal casino upon agreement with the state through a Tribal-State Gaming Compact,” it says on its website. “Santa Ysabel has had such a compact with the state since 2005, but has no plans to offer Class III gaming through its interactive website.”
Certainly, the tribe’s efforts to launch online poker in the California may depend on the success, or lack thereof, of the new bingo site and whether it receives legal challenges. And it’s likely that there will be legal challenges. The Iipays believe they have discovered a legal loophole in IGRA that defines bingo and poker as Class II gaming, but that assumes that bingo and poker are the same as online bingo and online poker, in a legal sense.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Chukchansi Casino Remains Closed
Judge says Chukchansi Gold to stay closed
Scott Smith, Associated Press · October 29, 2014 at 5:55 pm
FRESNO, Calif. — A casino at the center of a tribe’s internal power struggle will remain closed until rival factions that operate it can settle their differences that recently erupted into an armed confrontation, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill said that tensions remain high at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, prompting him to keep the doors closed, while admonishing tribal leaders for lacking leadership at the expense of hundreds of employees now without paychecks.
On Oct. 10, the attorney general and the National Indian Gaming Commission shut down the casino in Coarsegold, about 50 miles northeast of Fresno, after an armed faction stormed it, sending hundreds of gamblers running with chips still on the tables.
Read Full Article Here-->Judge says Chukchansi Gold to stay closed
Also:
IveyPoker Closes
Excerpt:
Rumors began circulating that changes were coming a few weeks ago when multiple IveyPoker pros were told the site would be shutting down. Ivey has a marketing agreement with the Pala tribe in California that plans on offering real money online poker once that state passes legislation.
Read Full Article Here-->IveyPoker Closes
Scott Smith, Associated Press · October 29, 2014 at 5:55 pm
FRESNO, Calif. — A casino at the center of a tribe’s internal power struggle will remain closed until rival factions that operate it can settle their differences that recently erupted into an armed confrontation, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill said that tensions remain high at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, prompting him to keep the doors closed, while admonishing tribal leaders for lacking leadership at the expense of hundreds of employees now without paychecks.
On Oct. 10, the attorney general and the National Indian Gaming Commission shut down the casino in Coarsegold, about 50 miles northeast of Fresno, after an armed faction stormed it, sending hundreds of gamblers running with chips still on the tables.
Read Full Article Here-->Judge says Chukchansi Gold to stay closed
Also:
IveyPoker Closes
Excerpt:
Rumors began circulating that changes were coming a few weeks ago when multiple IveyPoker pros were told the site would be shutting down. Ivey has a marketing agreement with the Pala tribe in California that plans on offering real money online poker once that state passes legislation.
Read Full Article Here-->IveyPoker Closes
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Chukchansi Casino Lays Off Workers
abc30.com CHUKCHANSI GOLD RESORT AND CASINO LAYS OFF MOST OF 1,300 EMPLOYEES
Saturday, October 18, 2014 12:00AM
COARSEGOLD, Calif. (KFSN) -- Most of the 1,300 employees at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino have been laid off. Now, only a skeleton crew will remain.
The layoffs are the direct result of a federal shutdown caused by fighting among tribal leaders. More than a week ago, a dispute between two factions resulted in a lockdown at the casino. The federal government and the National Indian Gaming Commission have since stepped in to mediate.
A single-page letter sent out to Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino employees paints a dire situation for staff members. One line in particular: "We cannot anticipate the duration of this closure because the government entities will not tell us how long this closure will remain in effect."
Read Full Article Here-->abc30.com CHUKCHANSI GOLD RESORT AND CASINO LAYS OFF MOST OF 1,300 EMPLOYEES
Saturday, October 18, 2014 12:00AM
COARSEGOLD, Calif. (KFSN) -- Most of the 1,300 employees at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino have been laid off. Now, only a skeleton crew will remain.
The layoffs are the direct result of a federal shutdown caused by fighting among tribal leaders. More than a week ago, a dispute between two factions resulted in a lockdown at the casino. The federal government and the National Indian Gaming Commission have since stepped in to mediate.
A single-page letter sent out to Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino employees paints a dire situation for staff members. One line in particular: "We cannot anticipate the duration of this closure because the government entities will not tell us how long this closure will remain in effect."
Read Full Article Here-->abc30.com CHUKCHANSI GOLD RESORT AND CASINO LAYS OFF MOST OF 1,300 EMPLOYEES
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Anonymous Comments Are Closed
I am no longer allowing anonymous comments. There is just too much vitriol on both sides. I tried to let it go for a while as I do believe in freedom of speech and freedom of expression. But there are limits and those limits have been crossed multiple times. My hope was people would be able to dialogue and debate without the nonsense.
Obviously, that is just not possible. If you want to jawbone each other do it on your Facebook pages. I am no longer going to tolerate it here.
Obviously, that is just not possible. If you want to jawbone each other do it on your Facebook pages. I am no longer going to tolerate it here.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Chukchansi Casino Closed
From the Modesto Bee:
modbee.com Sheriff: Tribal infighting leads to abrupt Chukchansi casino closure
BY MARC BENJAMIN, RORY APPLETON AND JIM GUY
The Fresno Bee October 10, 2014
COARSEGOLD — Patrons of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino were abruptly ushered out of the casino in mid-game Thursday night by armed guards, and the casino and hotel were shut down.
The property was closed Friday morning after a chaotic night fueled by a feud between factions of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, which owns the casino. The feud spilled over to the tribe’s biggest asset Thursday night after one side said the other used force to try and retrieve key documents in the battle for tribal leadership.
Friday morning, Madera County sheriff’s spokesman Erica Stuart said someone cut power to the resort for a time Thursday night and employees went home. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office found itself caught between the factions and angry customers. Stuart said about 500 patrons were at Chukchansi when the blackout hit, including 200 hotel guests. The guests could not get into their rooms and could not even get valets to retrieve their cars.
Read Full Article Here--> modbee.com Sheriff: Tribal infighting leads to abrupt Chukchansi casino closure
modbee.com Sheriff: Tribal infighting leads to abrupt Chukchansi casino closure
BY MARC BENJAMIN, RORY APPLETON AND JIM GUY
The Fresno Bee October 10, 2014
COARSEGOLD — Patrons of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino were abruptly ushered out of the casino in mid-game Thursday night by armed guards, and the casino and hotel were shut down.
The property was closed Friday morning after a chaotic night fueled by a feud between factions of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, which owns the casino. The feud spilled over to the tribe’s biggest asset Thursday night after one side said the other used force to try and retrieve key documents in the battle for tribal leadership.
Friday morning, Madera County sheriff’s spokesman Erica Stuart said someone cut power to the resort for a time Thursday night and employees went home. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office found itself caught between the factions and angry customers. Stuart said about 500 patrons were at Chukchansi when the blackout hit, including 200 hotel guests. The guests could not get into their rooms and could not even get valets to retrieve their cars.
Read Full Article Here--> modbee.com Sheriff: Tribal infighting leads to abrupt Chukchansi casino closure
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Judge Says Phil Ivey Cheated
A London Judge ruled professional poker player Phil Ivey cheated in a baccarat tournament. Phil Ivey is the brand ambassador for Pala Interactive.
Now it's not entirely clear to me that Phil Ivey cheated in the traditional sense. Ivey calls himself an advantage player meaning he will use odds and take advantage of casino mistakes in order to win.
Ivey used edge sorting to help identify cards and then apparently influenced the dealer to sort and deal the cards in such a way to give the players an advantage. The Judge ruled Ivey was not allowed to collect his $12.4 million winnings and could not appeal the decision.
Some feel it was the casino's fault and that they should pay up.
Bloomberg News: Poker Pro Ivey Did Cheat to Win $12.4 Million, Judge Rules
By Jeremy Hodges
Excerpt:
Professional poker player Phil Ivey’s use of edge sorting to win 7.7 million pounds ($12.4 million) at a form of Baccarat was tantamount to cheating, a London judge ruled today.
Judge John Mitting, who said Ivey was an honest witness, ruled against the 38-year-old gambler’s bid to recoup money a Genting Bhd. (GENT) casino had withheld. While he might not have realized it was cheating, Mitting said Ivey and a companion influenced a croupier to deal the cards in certain ways.
Now it's not entirely clear to me that Phil Ivey cheated in the traditional sense. Ivey calls himself an advantage player meaning he will use odds and take advantage of casino mistakes in order to win.
Ivey used edge sorting to help identify cards and then apparently influenced the dealer to sort and deal the cards in such a way to give the players an advantage. The Judge ruled Ivey was not allowed to collect his $12.4 million winnings and could not appeal the decision.
Some feel it was the casino's fault and that they should pay up.
Bloomberg News: Poker Pro Ivey Did Cheat to Win $12.4 Million, Judge Rules
By Jeremy Hodges
Excerpt:
Professional poker player Phil Ivey’s use of edge sorting to win 7.7 million pounds ($12.4 million) at a form of Baccarat was tantamount to cheating, a London judge ruled today.
Judge John Mitting, who said Ivey was an honest witness, ruled against the 38-year-old gambler’s bid to recoup money a Genting Bhd. (GENT) casino had withheld. While he might not have realized it was cheating, Mitting said Ivey and a companion influenced a croupier to deal the cards in certain ways.
#
Both sides agreed at trial that Ivey was in the casino in August 2012 and that he won the money. “The issue is whether it amounted to cheating,” Christopher Pymont, Genting’s lawyer, said in documents filed at London’s High Court.
Edge sorting is a way a card player can gain an advantage by working out the value of a card by spotting flaws or particular patterns on the back of some cards.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Chukchansi Casino
fresnobee.com Chukchansi casino faces closure, huge federal fines for missing audits
BY MARC BENJAMIN
The Fresno Bee October 8, 2014
The federal agency that oversees Indian gaming is threatening to shut down Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino because of missing audits, some of which were due last year.
The National Indian Gaming Commission says the casino could close Oct. 27 if the missing audits are not submitted. The tribe also faces fines of up to $100,000 per day dating back to April 30. If fully assessed, those fines would equal $16 million.
In a five-page letter dated Tuesday, the NIGC’s acting chairman, Jonodev Chaudhuri, said that casino officials have not filed financial statements and audits dating back to 2012 and 2013, the earliest of which was due April 30, 2013.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
South Park vs. The Washington Redskins
In the latest episode of South Park the boys take on the Washington Redskins.
Here is the promo for the episode which aired last night:
Here is the promo for the episode which aired last night:
Monday, September 15, 2014
Paskenta Affirms New Leadership
sys-con.com Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Announces Results of Election for Tribal Council Mandated by Settlement Agreement Between Tribal Factions
Election ends leadership dispute after all Tribal members agreed to recognize results
BY PR NEWSWIRE
CORNING, Calif., Sept. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a record election turnout, with over 92 percent of all adult Tribal members participating, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians announced today the results of its Tribal Council election.
The members of the Tribe overwhelmingly elected four members of the Tribal Council which include: Latisha Miller – Vice-Chairperson, Andrew Alejandre – Secretary, Ambrosia Rico – Treasurer, and Natasha Magana – Member-at-large. The Chairman of the Tribe, Andrew Freeman, who is recognized by both groups who participated in the election, holds a term that ends in September 2016. The election ends the leadership of Leslie Lohse and her family's control over the Rolling Hills Casino and other tribal assets. The certified results of the election were: 138 votes for the winning slate, and 61 votes for the slate led by Lohse.
"I'm so pleased that the Nomlaki People had such strong voter turnout and exercised true democracy by electing its Tribal leadership," said Chairman Andrew Freeman, who was supported by both groups running for Tribal Council. "This is a new era of Tribal leadership that promises financial integrity in its governance and financial transparency to all Tribal members to ensure all can share in the benefits of the various Tribal Enterprises."
Read Full Press Release Here-->sys-con.com Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Announces Results of Election for Tribal Council Mandated by Settlement Agreement Between Tribal Factions
Other Articles:
chicoer.com Paskenta tribe votes to keep new leaders
sacbee.com Embattled Northern California tribe elects four members to tribal council
***WARNING***
Election ends leadership dispute after all Tribal members agreed to recognize results
BY PR NEWSWIRE
CORNING, Calif., Sept. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a record election turnout, with over 92 percent of all adult Tribal members participating, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians announced today the results of its Tribal Council election.
The members of the Tribe overwhelmingly elected four members of the Tribal Council which include: Latisha Miller – Vice-Chairperson, Andrew Alejandre – Secretary, Ambrosia Rico – Treasurer, and Natasha Magana – Member-at-large. The Chairman of the Tribe, Andrew Freeman, who is recognized by both groups who participated in the election, holds a term that ends in September 2016. The election ends the leadership of Leslie Lohse and her family's control over the Rolling Hills Casino and other tribal assets. The certified results of the election were: 138 votes for the winning slate, and 61 votes for the slate led by Lohse.
"I'm so pleased that the Nomlaki People had such strong voter turnout and exercised true democracy by electing its Tribal leadership," said Chairman Andrew Freeman, who was supported by both groups running for Tribal Council. "This is a new era of Tribal leadership that promises financial integrity in its governance and financial transparency to all Tribal members to ensure all can share in the benefits of the various Tribal Enterprises."
Read Full Press Release Here-->sys-con.com Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Announces Results of Election for Tribal Council Mandated by Settlement Agreement Between Tribal Factions
Other Articles:
chicoer.com Paskenta tribe votes to keep new leaders
sacbee.com Embattled Northern California tribe elects four members to tribal council
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Letters
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Another Setback For Tribal Online Gaming
Those of you following the saga of online poker in California know that tribes failed to push through legislation that would allow them to operate online poker sites. That didn't stop at least one tribe, Santa Ysabel, from deciding to move forward with online poker. Their website privatetable.com is now live offering poker. Their argument is as usual - Tribal Sovereignty. They also argue online poker is Class II gaming. California considers poker Class II but it is not clear if that extends to online poker.
The question has been how are States going to react to tribes offering online gaming? Also, how will the Federal Courts react? Well, we may be getting some indication of the direction things are going to go. It's likely going to get messy with a myriad of lawsuits being filed by States against Tribes.
In The News:
Idaho Coeur d’Alene Casino Stops Poker Per Federal Judge
Excerpts:
#
Federal US District Judge B. Lynn Winmill has ruled that the Coeur d’Alene casino must stop offering Texas Hold’em tournaments and other poker games pending the outcome of the state’s lawsuit. Idaho was granted injunctive relief, while the tribe’s motion to dismiss was denied.
#
This ruling could potentially have repercussions beyond the borders of Idaho. For instance, the Santa Ysabel tribe in California is attempting to launch an online poker site based on their ability to host Class II gaming from their reservation. While the laws of California clearly make poker a Class II game in that state, it’s not clear if that would also hold for online poker. In addition, the ruling still sets a precedent that states may be able to file injunctions against tribes in these cases without seeking a ruling from the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Read More Here->Idaho Coeur d’Alene Casino Stops Poker Per Federal Judge
Also:
Idaho Poker Ruling Could Impact California Online Poker
Excerpt:
Shapiro astutely points out that the ruling in Idaho sets a precedent for the state of California to file an injunction against the tribe without going to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) for a ruling.
This is just one of the many problems the Santa Ysabel tribe will face if they are serious about launching an online poker site in California.
Read More Here->Idaho Poker Ruling Could Impact California Online Poker
***WARNING***
The question has been how are States going to react to tribes offering online gaming? Also, how will the Federal Courts react? Well, we may be getting some indication of the direction things are going to go. It's likely going to get messy with a myriad of lawsuits being filed by States against Tribes.
In The News:
Idaho Coeur d’Alene Casino Stops Poker Per Federal Judge
Excerpts:
#
Federal US District Judge B. Lynn Winmill has ruled that the Coeur d’Alene casino must stop offering Texas Hold’em tournaments and other poker games pending the outcome of the state’s lawsuit. Idaho was granted injunctive relief, while the tribe’s motion to dismiss was denied.
#
This ruling could potentially have repercussions beyond the borders of Idaho. For instance, the Santa Ysabel tribe in California is attempting to launch an online poker site based on their ability to host Class II gaming from their reservation. While the laws of California clearly make poker a Class II game in that state, it’s not clear if that would also hold for online poker. In addition, the ruling still sets a precedent that states may be able to file injunctions against tribes in these cases without seeking a ruling from the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Read More Here->Idaho Coeur d’Alene Casino Stops Poker Per Federal Judge
Also:
Idaho Poker Ruling Could Impact California Online Poker
Excerpt:
Shapiro astutely points out that the ruling in Idaho sets a precedent for the state of California to file an injunction against the tribe without going to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) for a ruling.
This is just one of the many problems the Santa Ysabel tribe will face if they are serious about launching an online poker site in California.
Read More Here->Idaho Poker Ruling Could Impact California Online Poker
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Do Tribal Members Have Constitutional Rights?
Tribal Members have a dual citizenship status. They are both citizens of the United States and members of their respective tribes. Many tribes including Pala supposedly extend rights granted in the U.S. Constitution to tribal members. But more and more it seems Pala's Executive Committee continues to punish its members for exercising their 1st amendment rights.
The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Members sought to petition their tribal government for redress of grievances and assembled peacefully. They were subsequently punished for this. 11 members had their rights stripped from them.
Now Pala's Executive Committee is seeking to exact even more punishment on its membership.
It is worth noting that Pala's Revenue Allocation Plan states in section 4. e. the following:
"Nothing contained in this subsection shall be interpreted to interfere with a member's right to freely express his or her views."
You can read it here:
***WARNING***
The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Members sought to petition their tribal government for redress of grievances and assembled peacefully. They were subsequently punished for this. 11 members had their rights stripped from them.
Now Pala's Executive Committee is seeking to exact even more punishment on its membership.
It is worth noting that Pala's Revenue Allocation Plan states in section 4. e. the following:
"Nothing contained in this subsection shall be interpreted to interfere with a member's right to freely express his or her views."
You can read it here:
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Paskenta
Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians audit alleges millions in mismanagement
Excerpt:
The audit, conducted by WilmerHale, a Washington, D.C. law firm, found that former council leaders "have fallen far short of their legal and ethical obligations to the tribe" by incurring expenses that include $17 million in private jet travel, $450,000 for tickets to the World Series, college basketball's Final Four and other sporting events, the Bee reported.
"Although the senior tribal administrators claimed that most of their spending was for reasonable business purposes, our inquiry suggests that serious questions exist about whether substantial amounts of tribal funds were actually spent for the senior tribal administrators' personal benefit," the Bee quotes from the audit report.
Read Full Article Here-->Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians audit alleges millions in mismanagement
***WARNING***
Excerpt:
The audit, conducted by WilmerHale, a Washington, D.C. law firm, found that former council leaders "have fallen far short of their legal and ethical obligations to the tribe" by incurring expenses that include $17 million in private jet travel, $450,000 for tickets to the World Series, college basketball's Final Four and other sporting events, the Bee reported.
"Although the senior tribal administrators claimed that most of their spending was for reasonable business purposes, our inquiry suggests that serious questions exist about whether substantial amounts of tribal funds were actually spent for the senior tribal administrators' personal benefit," the Bee quotes from the audit report.
Read Full Article Here-->Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians audit alleges millions in mismanagement
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Paskenta Completes Audit
I recommend everyone read the entire article. I will post a couple of excerpts here.
Audit finds Corning tribe mismanaged millions in casino funds
By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com
Published: Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2014 - 10:17 pm
#
The document, which was obtained by The Sacramento Bee and secured with a program that prevented it from being printed out or copied, details spending by council officials that raised questions about home improvements; at least one trip to Disneyland; trips by Lohse to watch her son Kyle pitch in the 2011 World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals; purchase of floor-level Sacramento Kings season tickets and tickets to the 2010 Masters golf tournament; and other items.
“Although the senior tribal administrators claimed that most of their spending was for reasonable business purposes, our inquiry suggests that serious questions exist about whether substantial amounts of tribal funds were actually spent for the senior tribal administrators’ personal benefit,” the audit states.
The auditors added that because of poor or, in some cases, nonexistent bookkeeping records and the refusal of some officials to cooperate with the audit, it is difficult to determine with accuracy the state of tribal spending.
However, the audit found a number of expenses that raised questions, including:
• $93 million in investments over the last 12 years in companies, real estate or gold that were made without any comprehensive investment strategy. “Many of these ventures were unproven, high-risk, start-up companies,” the audit said. Crosby flatly rejected that finding. “A lot of these investments are long-term,” he said. “Was Apple successful right away?”
• Excessive overhead and compensation over the last dozen years that ate up at least $61 million of the $191 million left over after tribal members were paid their distributions. (The audit said reviewers were unable to account for about $10 million in spending).
• Payments of $819,000 to senior administrators for serving on the boards of tribal entities that the audit said were made without tribal council discussion or approval.
• A penchant for travel that included using the private jet for dozens of short hops between Chico and Redding or Corning and Sacramento, instead of driving at much less expense. Other trips “appear to have been partially or wholly personal,” the audit found, including 134 flights to Glendale, Ariz., by the Lohse family over a 32-month span (a Lohse son and his family live in Glendale, the audit said); and 40 flights by the Crosby family to Provo, Utah, over a 28-month period (Crosby’s daughter attended college in Provo, the audit said). Crosby said frequent trips are the nature of economic development efforts and that they were for business interests.
Read Full Article Here -->Audit finds Corning tribe mismanaged millions in casino funds
***WARNING***
Audit finds Corning tribe mismanaged millions in casino funds
By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com
Published: Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2014 - 10:17 pm
#
The document, which was obtained by The Sacramento Bee and secured with a program that prevented it from being printed out or copied, details spending by council officials that raised questions about home improvements; at least one trip to Disneyland; trips by Lohse to watch her son Kyle pitch in the 2011 World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals; purchase of floor-level Sacramento Kings season tickets and tickets to the 2010 Masters golf tournament; and other items.
“Although the senior tribal administrators claimed that most of their spending was for reasonable business purposes, our inquiry suggests that serious questions exist about whether substantial amounts of tribal funds were actually spent for the senior tribal administrators’ personal benefit,” the audit states.
The auditors added that because of poor or, in some cases, nonexistent bookkeeping records and the refusal of some officials to cooperate with the audit, it is difficult to determine with accuracy the state of tribal spending.
However, the audit found a number of expenses that raised questions, including:
• $93 million in investments over the last 12 years in companies, real estate or gold that were made without any comprehensive investment strategy. “Many of these ventures were unproven, high-risk, start-up companies,” the audit said. Crosby flatly rejected that finding. “A lot of these investments are long-term,” he said. “Was Apple successful right away?”
• Excessive overhead and compensation over the last dozen years that ate up at least $61 million of the $191 million left over after tribal members were paid their distributions. (The audit said reviewers were unable to account for about $10 million in spending).
• Payments of $819,000 to senior administrators for serving on the boards of tribal entities that the audit said were made without tribal council discussion or approval.
• A penchant for travel that included using the private jet for dozens of short hops between Chico and Redding or Corning and Sacramento, instead of driving at much less expense. Other trips “appear to have been partially or wholly personal,” the audit found, including 134 flights to Glendale, Ariz., by the Lohse family over a 32-month span (a Lohse son and his family live in Glendale, the audit said); and 40 flights by the Crosby family to Provo, Utah, over a 28-month period (Crosby’s daughter attended college in Provo, the audit said). Crosby said frequent trips are the nature of economic development efforts and that they were for business interests.
Read Full Article Here -->Audit finds Corning tribe mismanaged millions in casino funds
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Pow Wow Starts Today
UT San Diego Pala Indians to put on powwow
By Linda McIntosh
PALA — Hundreds of Native Americans from across the country are expected to participate in a weekend-long powwow Aug. 22-24 put on by the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
Powwow dance contests, bird singing and drum competitions are among the highlights of the seventh annual “Honoring Traditions” Powwow at the Pala Rey Youth Camp on the Pala Indian Reservation.
Read Full Article Here --> UT San Diego Pala Indians to put on powwow
More Articles:
Pala hosting 'Honoring Traditions' Powwow
Pala seventh annual 'Honoring Traditions' Powwow this weekend
PALA TRIBE TO PUT ON ANNUAL POWWOW
***WARNING***
By Linda McIntosh
PALA — Hundreds of Native Americans from across the country are expected to participate in a weekend-long powwow Aug. 22-24 put on by the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
Powwow dance contests, bird singing and drum competitions are among the highlights of the seventh annual “Honoring Traditions” Powwow at the Pala Rey Youth Camp on the Pala Indian Reservation.
Read Full Article Here --> UT San Diego Pala Indians to put on powwow
More Articles:
Pala hosting 'Honoring Traditions' Powwow
Pala seventh annual 'Honoring Traditions' Powwow this weekend
PALA TRIBE TO PUT ON ANNUAL POWWOW
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Monday, August 11, 2014
California Online Poker Bill Gets Delayed
Any hopes that remained of getting some sort of California Online Poker legislation passed this year appear to have faded. Looks like 2014 will not be the year for California Online Poker. Of course everyone is upbeat and optimistic about 2015. And why would they not be? It means more money for lobbyists, lawyers, and politicians as yet another wave of money will try to hustle some sort of online poker bill through the State Legislature.
In The News:
casino.org California Online Poker Bills Stalled for 2014 Legislation
pokerupdate.com California Eyes 2015 for Online Poker Regulation
cardschat.com California Online Poker Bills Won’t See Daylight in 2014
cardplayer.com Card Rooms, PokerStars, Tribal Group Respond To Shelving Of California Web Poker In 2014
***WARNING***
In The News:
casino.org California Online Poker Bills Stalled for 2014 Legislation
pokerupdate.com California Eyes 2015 for Online Poker Regulation
cardschat.com California Online Poker Bills Won’t See Daylight in 2014
cardplayer.com Card Rooms, PokerStars, Tribal Group Respond To Shelving Of California Web Poker In 2014
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith,
Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala
Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your
comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any
tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
The Fence
It's still there...
KUSI.com - KUSI News - San Diego CA - News, Weather, PPR
If the video doesn't load you can watch it here Monday, August 04, 2014 - KUSI's Michael Turko
***WARNING***
KUSI.com - KUSI News - San Diego CA - News, Weather, PPR
If the video doesn't load you can watch it here Monday, August 04, 2014 - KUSI's Michael Turko
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith,
Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala
Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your
comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any
tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Monday, August 4, 2014
The Fight Against Online Gaming Continues
Efforts to legalize online poker in California seem to have stalled a bit though most are still optimistic of getting a bill past in the next year or two. The forces against online gaming, namely Sheldon Adelson and the Senators he has bought, continue their efforts to make online gambling illegal at the Federal Level. The article below outlines the current tack Adelson's Senators are taking:
casino.org - Senators Appeal to DoJ for Reinterpretation of Wire Act
AUGUST 03, 2014 BY SAMANTHA BECKETT
Excerpt:
Three US senators have written to Attorney General Eric Holder, appealing to him to support the Restoration of America’s Wire Act. The bill, introduced earlier this year, seeks to outlaw all forms of online gambling at a federal level by adopting a previous interpretation of US gambling law. The Federal Wire Act of 1961, which was created as a means to stop organized crime from trafficking, failed to predict of the advent of the Internet age, and so leaves a lot to interpretation as to how it relates to online gambling.
#
Senator Lindsey Graham, along with Diane Feinstein and Kelly Ayotte, believe that online poker is “bound to” prey on children and society’s most vulnerable.
Read More Here -->casino.org - Senators Appeal to DoJ for Reinterpretation of Wire Act
Also in the news:
Amaya Gaming Officially Completes Acquisition of Pokerstars and Full Tilt
The Buzz: Dianne Feinstein continues push against Internet poker
I guess the tribes better start throwing money at Graham, Feinstein, and Ayotte or else online gambling may become illegal across the entire United States. Or does Tribal Sovereignty Trump the Federal Government's Sovereignty? Be interesting to watch what happens at Santa Ysabel now that they have started offering Online Poker. What will the government do if anything?
Santa Ysabel Tribe Answers Queries Regarding PrivateTable.com
Californian Online Poker A Catalyst For US Expansion
casino.org - Senators Appeal to DoJ for Reinterpretation of Wire Act
AUGUST 03, 2014 BY SAMANTHA BECKETT
Excerpt:
Three US senators have written to Attorney General Eric Holder, appealing to him to support the Restoration of America’s Wire Act. The bill, introduced earlier this year, seeks to outlaw all forms of online gambling at a federal level by adopting a previous interpretation of US gambling law. The Federal Wire Act of 1961, which was created as a means to stop organized crime from trafficking, failed to predict of the advent of the Internet age, and so leaves a lot to interpretation as to how it relates to online gambling.
#
Senator Lindsey Graham, along with Diane Feinstein and Kelly Ayotte, believe that online poker is “bound to” prey on children and society’s most vulnerable.
Read More Here -->casino.org - Senators Appeal to DoJ for Reinterpretation of Wire Act
Also in the news:
Amaya Gaming Officially Completes Acquisition of Pokerstars and Full Tilt
The Buzz: Dianne Feinstein continues push against Internet poker
I guess the tribes better start throwing money at Graham, Feinstein, and Ayotte or else online gambling may become illegal across the entire United States. Or does Tribal Sovereignty Trump the Federal Government's Sovereignty? Be interesting to watch what happens at Santa Ysabel now that they have started offering Online Poker. What will the government do if anything?
Santa Ysabel Tribe Answers Queries Regarding PrivateTable.com
Californian Online Poker A Catalyst For US Expansion
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Tribal Gaming In The News
Couple of interesting articles on Tribal Gaming.
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com ndian Gaming Reform: What Is Congress Plotting, and How Will SCIA Chair Jon Tester Respond?
By Rob Capriccioso 7/28/14
Excerpt:
Allegations of lies by a tribal government about an off-reservation casino, competing Indian interests in many states, flat earnings and the responsibility of regulators were all topics of discussion during the latter hearing, which was originally intended to showcase the success stories of IGRA and to seek out ways for more tribal victories.
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com ndian Gaming Reform: What Is Congress Plotting, and How Will SCIA Chair Jon Tester Respond?
By Rob Capriccioso 7/28/14
Excerpt:
Allegations of lies by a tribal government about an off-reservation casino, competing Indian interests in many states, flat earnings and the responsibility of regulators were all topics of discussion during the latter hearing, which was originally intended to showcase the success stories of IGRA and to seek out ways for more tribal victories.
Also:
Excerpt:
Tribal casinos took in $28 billion in revenues in 2013, the National Indian Gaming Commission reported on Monday.
The figure represents just a 0.5 percent gain in revenues from 2012. But NIGC officials said the industry has been growing steadily for the past four years after seeing a slump in 2009 during the national economic recession.
“In 2013, the Indian gaming industry saw the growth of its gross gaming revenues for the fourth consecutive year,” NIGC Vice Chair Jonodev Chaudhuri said in a press release. “This stable, positive trajectory underscores the ongoing significance of Indian gaming to larger tribal nation building and self-determination efforts.”
***WARNING***
The figure represents just a 0.5 percent gain in revenues from 2012. But NIGC officials said the industry has been growing steadily for the past four years after seeing a slump in 2009 during the national economic recession.
“In 2013, the Indian gaming industry saw the growth of its gross gaming revenues for the fourth consecutive year,” NIGC Vice Chair Jonodev Chaudhuri said in a press release. “This stable, positive trajectory underscores the ongoing significance of Indian gaming to larger tribal nation building and self-determination efforts.”
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Online Gambling Legal For Indian Tribes?
Apparently some legal analysis is already starting to trickle down with the theory that online gambling conducted by Indian Tribes on reservation land may be legal. The theory to my knowledge has not been tested in the court of law. Of course, there is also the issue if they are referring to State Law or Federal Law. In the article below it seems Owens is only referring to State Law. There is also the issue of Federal Law and the transfer of money across State and International Borders.
Just to review briefly Iipay Tribe of Santa Ysabel has decided to move forward with their online poker site called privatetable.com which appears to already be operating.
In The News:
pokerupdate.com PrivateTable.com Poker Site Deemed Legal
#
Despite the large debates surrounding the launch of PrivateTable.com, the site has been backed by several leading legal gambling authorities who believe that the site is operating completely within state law. Comments from attorney Martin Owens suggest that the site has done nothing to breach gambling laws and marks a step forward into bringing in some regulated gambling practices across the state.
#
The issues were swept aside by Owens, who made a statement declaring that “If an Indian tribe has land of its own and wants to offer Class 2 gambling, they don’t have to consult state law at all.” A Class 2 license allows native tribes to operate basic gambling services such as poker on their lands and the Santa Ysabel nation currently holds a Class 3 license, giving them full rights to operate banked gaming services.
Read More Here --> pokerupdate.com PrivateTable.com Poker Site Deemed Legal
***WARNING***
Just to review briefly Iipay Tribe of Santa Ysabel has decided to move forward with their online poker site called privatetable.com which appears to already be operating.
In The News:
pokerupdate.com PrivateTable.com Poker Site Deemed Legal
#
Despite the large debates surrounding the launch of PrivateTable.com, the site has been backed by several leading legal gambling authorities who believe that the site is operating completely within state law. Comments from attorney Martin Owens suggest that the site has done nothing to breach gambling laws and marks a step forward into bringing in some regulated gambling practices across the state.
#
The issues were swept aside by Owens, who made a statement declaring that “If an Indian tribe has land of its own and wants to offer Class 2 gambling, they don’t have to consult state law at all.” A Class 2 license allows native tribes to operate basic gambling services such as poker on their lands and the Santa Ysabel nation currently holds a Class 3 license, giving them full rights to operate banked gaming services.
Read More Here --> pokerupdate.com PrivateTable.com Poker Site Deemed Legal
***WARNING***
Chairman
Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno
Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is
monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take
action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Pala Interactive In the News
This is a long article but worth the read. I will post a small excerpt here. Please click the link and read the whole article if this interests you.
4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
by Haley Hintze on July 15, 2014
Excerpt:
It’s interesting to note, however, that lawyers for the Pechanga-led coalition now trying to push through SB1366 and AB2291 did a flip-flop on this very same issue within the past three years, just in time to craft a favorable viewpoint favoring their tribal-only legislative efforts. These same tribes declared a few years that online poker couldn’t be regulated via state-level compact because it was Class II, not Class III, then simply switched their collective interpretation when popular support for the regulation of California online poker began to grow.
If it sounds like hypocrisy, well, it is.
There’s also the question of some of these news reports quickly slapping a “rogue” label on the Santa Ysabels while utterly ignoring some of the other already established business connections. The Pala tribe, one of the major components of the Pechanga-led faction, has already created a new entity called Pala Interactive, in which it partners with former Excapsa (UltimateBet) CEO James Ryan. Pala Interactive also has some shared rights to the extant UB software, which means that years after UB itself failed amid scandal and tens of millions of dollars of internal theft and fraud, the old UB software could reemerge again, via Pala Interactive.
One could also note that the Pala tribe itself is also mired in major legal controversy over the forced disenfranchising of hundreds of former tribal members, many of whom are political opponents of the group currently in power. The net effect is to distribute the massive proceeds from the Palas’ profitable gaming operations to a smaller group of official tribal members.
It’s hard to look at the sum of what the Pala nation would bring to online poker, and not toss in the word “rogue” somewhere. Even if it doesn’t have quite the same meaning.
Read Full Article Here--> 4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
***WARNING***
4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
by Haley Hintze on July 15, 2014
Excerpt:
It’s interesting to note, however, that lawyers for the Pechanga-led coalition now trying to push through SB1366 and AB2291 did a flip-flop on this very same issue within the past three years, just in time to craft a favorable viewpoint favoring their tribal-only legislative efforts. These same tribes declared a few years that online poker couldn’t be regulated via state-level compact because it was Class II, not Class III, then simply switched their collective interpretation when popular support for the regulation of California online poker began to grow.
If it sounds like hypocrisy, well, it is.
There’s also the question of some of these news reports quickly slapping a “rogue” label on the Santa Ysabels while utterly ignoring some of the other already established business connections. The Pala tribe, one of the major components of the Pechanga-led faction, has already created a new entity called Pala Interactive, in which it partners with former Excapsa (UltimateBet) CEO James Ryan. Pala Interactive also has some shared rights to the extant UB software, which means that years after UB itself failed amid scandal and tens of millions of dollars of internal theft and fraud, the old UB software could reemerge again, via Pala Interactive.
One could also note that the Pala tribe itself is also mired in major legal controversy over the forced disenfranchising of hundreds of former tribal members, many of whom are political opponents of the group currently in power. The net effect is to distribute the massive proceeds from the Palas’ profitable gaming operations to a smaller group of official tribal members.
It’s hard to look at the sum of what the Pala nation would bring to online poker, and not toss in the word “rogue” somewhere. Even if it doesn’t have quite the same meaning.
Read Full Article Here--> 4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
***WARNING***
Chairman
Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno
Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is
monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take
action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Santa Ysabel Moving Forward With Online Poker
parttimepoker.com - Santa Ysabel Tribe in California Launches Online Poker Site PrivateTable.com
#
Why is this significant
The significance is two-fold. First, the obvious significance is for players in California as they may have a new, more trustworthy place to play.
For the rest of us, the significance lies in the precedent being set. Other tribes across the U.S will be watching what Santa Ysabel does with PrivateTable.com and will make decisions based on the results. Other tribes have, and absolutely still are, weighing the possibility of operating a Class II online poker site under their sovereign rights. Santa Ysabel is uniquely position to call out ‘first’ on this one for two key reasons:
•They don’t have much to lose. Santa Ysabel closed their land-based casino in February. If they are proven to be wrong regarding the legality of operating an online poker site as a tribe, they have no significant underlying business that can be harmed.
•They are in California, considered to be the gold mine for online gaming due to population and demographics. There is actual money to be made.
Read More Here -->parttimepoker.com - Santa Ysabel Tribe in California Launches Online Poker Site PrivateTable.com
Much More:
Santa Ysabel Interactive PrivateTable.com
4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
by on July 15, 2014
This week’s announcement by the cash-strapped Santa Ysabel tribal nation of an imminent rollout of real-money online poker for Californians, despite no formal state regulation, has added an interesting new twist to the neverending saga of the attempts to introduce and regulate the online game in the Golden State. Whether or not the Santa Ysabels — also known as the Iipay Nation — move forward with their plans remains to be seen.
What’s for sure, however, is that an already-tipsy legislative apple cart in California’s state capital of Sacramento now has another element in play. Regardless of the Santa Ysabels nation’s small financial size, the question now posed is a doozy: Do United States-based tribal nations even need federal or state approval to offer online poker, if they’ve already been cleared via the Department of the Interior to offer gambling on their own tribal lands?
Read More Here-->4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
4flush.com - Online Poker Site Launched in California by Stand-Alone Tribe
onlinepokerreport.com - Bill or No Bill, Santa Ysabel Tribe To Push Forward With Online Poker in California
casino.org - California Tribe Claims Sovereignty, Launches Online Poker Site
#
Why is this significant
The significance is two-fold. First, the obvious significance is for players in California as they may have a new, more trustworthy place to play.
For the rest of us, the significance lies in the precedent being set. Other tribes across the U.S will be watching what Santa Ysabel does with PrivateTable.com and will make decisions based on the results. Other tribes have, and absolutely still are, weighing the possibility of operating a Class II online poker site under their sovereign rights. Santa Ysabel is uniquely position to call out ‘first’ on this one for two key reasons:
•They don’t have much to lose. Santa Ysabel closed their land-based casino in February. If they are proven to be wrong regarding the legality of operating an online poker site as a tribe, they have no significant underlying business that can be harmed.
•They are in California, considered to be the gold mine for online gaming due to population and demographics. There is actual money to be made.
Read More Here -->parttimepoker.com - Santa Ysabel Tribe in California Launches Online Poker Site PrivateTable.com
Much More:
Santa Ysabel Interactive PrivateTable.com
4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
by on July 15, 2014
This week’s announcement by the cash-strapped Santa Ysabel tribal nation of an imminent rollout of real-money online poker for Californians, despite no formal state regulation, has added an interesting new twist to the neverending saga of the attempts to introduce and regulate the online game in the Golden State. Whether or not the Santa Ysabels — also known as the Iipay Nation — move forward with their plans remains to be seen.
What’s for sure, however, is that an already-tipsy legislative apple cart in California’s state capital of Sacramento now has another element in play. Regardless of the Santa Ysabels nation’s small financial size, the question now posed is a doozy: Do United States-based tribal nations even need federal or state approval to offer online poker, if they’ve already been cleared via the Department of the Interior to offer gambling on their own tribal lands?
Read More Here-->4flush.com - Santa Ysabel Gambit Complicates California Online Poker Scene
4flush.com - Online Poker Site Launched in California by Stand-Alone Tribe
onlinepokerreport.com - Bill or No Bill, Santa Ysabel Tribe To Push Forward With Online Poker in California
casino.org - California Tribe Claims Sovereignty, Launches Online Poker Site
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Online Gambling News
compatiblepoker.com Amaya Plans Extensive Expansion of PokerStars
By Renee K on Thursday, July 10th, 2014
#
Asked about the problems that PokerStars has faced until now by trying to enter the regulated US gambling market, Baazov said that one of the terms of the deal with Amaya was that PokerStars founder Mark Scheinberg and other principals would sell their stock in the company and would no longer be involved in managerial decisions. Baazov believes that this will give PokerStars a clean slate and allow it to expand in the United States and other regulated jurisdictions around the world.
Read More Here -->compatiblepoker.com Amaya Plans Extensive Expansion of PokerStars
casinocitytimes.com - California Indian casino built and managed by Station Casinos rising to top of class
8 July 2014
By Howard Stutz
#
But one analyst hinted recently the Indian casino — which was built by Station Casinos, Inc. and is being operated by the locals gaming giant — is quickly rising to the top of the class in tribal gaming-rich California.
The casino cost $800 million and is owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The property, 45 minutes north of downtown San Francisco, took 10 years to get through the various federal and state regulatory approvals.
#
In the quarter that ended March 31, Graton generated $101 million in revenue and $57 million, cash flow. Station Casinos earned $7.4 million in management fees.
Credit Suisse gaming analyst Joel Simkins told investors the Graton numbers make the resort one of the most profitable and highest margin regional casinos around.
#
Graton also has a potential advantage should California legalize Internet poker.
The casino can partner with Station Casinos-owned Ultimate Gaming. The company operates Ultimate Poker in Nevada and is the online gaming provider for the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.
Read More Here--> casinocitytimes.com - California Indian casino built and managed by Station Casinos rising to top of class
Also:
politico.com Adelson makes fifth new hire to fight online gaming
vegasinc.com Online gaming hasn’t lived up to its hype
totallygaming.com Political heavyweights to discuss pros and cons of internet gambling in San Francisco
By Renee K on Thursday, July 10th, 2014
#
Asked about the problems that PokerStars has faced until now by trying to enter the regulated US gambling market, Baazov said that one of the terms of the deal with Amaya was that PokerStars founder Mark Scheinberg and other principals would sell their stock in the company and would no longer be involved in managerial decisions. Baazov believes that this will give PokerStars a clean slate and allow it to expand in the United States and other regulated jurisdictions around the world.
Read More Here -->compatiblepoker.com Amaya Plans Extensive Expansion of PokerStars
casinocitytimes.com - California Indian casino built and managed by Station Casinos rising to top of class
8 July 2014
By Howard Stutz
#
But one analyst hinted recently the Indian casino — which was built by Station Casinos, Inc. and is being operated by the locals gaming giant — is quickly rising to the top of the class in tribal gaming-rich California.
The casino cost $800 million and is owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The property, 45 minutes north of downtown San Francisco, took 10 years to get through the various federal and state regulatory approvals.
#
In the quarter that ended March 31, Graton generated $101 million in revenue and $57 million, cash flow. Station Casinos earned $7.4 million in management fees.
Credit Suisse gaming analyst Joel Simkins told investors the Graton numbers make the resort one of the most profitable and highest margin regional casinos around.
#
Graton also has a potential advantage should California legalize Internet poker.
The casino can partner with Station Casinos-owned Ultimate Gaming. The company operates Ultimate Poker in Nevada and is the online gaming provider for the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.
Read More Here--> casinocitytimes.com - California Indian casino built and managed by Station Casinos rising to top of class
Also:
politico.com Adelson makes fifth new hire to fight online gaming
vegasinc.com Online gaming hasn’t lived up to its hype
totallygaming.com Political heavyweights to discuss pros and cons of internet gambling in San Francisco
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
June 1 1931 Letter From C.L. Ellis to Fred Baker
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Paskenta Elections To Settle Dispute
Article Excerpts:
http://www.modbee.com Warring factions in Corning casino tribe agree to election to settle dispute
BY STEPHEN MAGAGNINI
After weeks of armed standoffs, cyber attacks, allegations of multimillion-dollar theft and legal battles over who controls the tribe’s $100 million-a-year casino, warring factions of the Paskenta band of Nomlaki Indians in Tehama County have agreed to a binding general election to settle their dispute.
A federal judge in Sacramento signed off Monday on the landmark agreement, which came after a marathon three-day mediation that included 12 consecutive hours of negotiations at one stretch, said Andy Freeman, who is recognized as tribal chair by both factions. “The mediation went well. It gave us the opportunity to talk to each other and see both sides,” Freeman said. “The bottom line is the whole tribe needs to talk.”
#
The dispute centered on allegations by Freeman and other council members that Tribal Economic Development Director John Crosby, a former FBI agent, misappropriated $1.4 million from tribal accounts to pay for his house, swimming pool, basketball court and remodeling work, along with several cars and $209,000 worth of gold. Tribal Treasurer Leslie Lohse, one of the ousted council members, was accused of embezzling money and misusing the tribe’s jet to attend her son Kyle’s professional baseball games.
Freeman produced canceled checks to support his allegations of wrongdoing. Crosby and Lohse, in turn, supplied employment contracts indicating they were each granted $5 million lines of credit “to either be paid forgiven or extended” after 2020 if they negotiated a new gambling compact with the state. Both said they’ve acted in the tribe’s best interests.
Read Full Article Here -->http://www.modbee.com Warring factions in Corning casino tribe agree to election to settle dispute
Leslie Lohse is Chair of the California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA). Robert Smith is CTBA's Treasurer. Pala is one of the Three Tribes that make up the California Tribal Business Alliance along with Paskenta and Viejas.
***WARNING***
http://www.modbee.com Warring factions in Corning casino tribe agree to election to settle dispute
BY STEPHEN MAGAGNINI
After weeks of armed standoffs, cyber attacks, allegations of multimillion-dollar theft and legal battles over who controls the tribe’s $100 million-a-year casino, warring factions of the Paskenta band of Nomlaki Indians in Tehama County have agreed to a binding general election to settle their dispute.
A federal judge in Sacramento signed off Monday on the landmark agreement, which came after a marathon three-day mediation that included 12 consecutive hours of negotiations at one stretch, said Andy Freeman, who is recognized as tribal chair by both factions. “The mediation went well. It gave us the opportunity to talk to each other and see both sides,” Freeman said. “The bottom line is the whole tribe needs to talk.”
#
The dispute centered on allegations by Freeman and other council members that Tribal Economic Development Director John Crosby, a former FBI agent, misappropriated $1.4 million from tribal accounts to pay for his house, swimming pool, basketball court and remodeling work, along with several cars and $209,000 worth of gold. Tribal Treasurer Leslie Lohse, one of the ousted council members, was accused of embezzling money and misusing the tribe’s jet to attend her son Kyle’s professional baseball games.
Freeman produced canceled checks to support his allegations of wrongdoing. Crosby and Lohse, in turn, supplied employment contracts indicating they were each granted $5 million lines of credit “to either be paid forgiven or extended” after 2020 if they negotiated a new gambling compact with the state. Both said they’ve acted in the tribe’s best interests.
Read Full Article Here -->http://www.modbee.com Warring factions in Corning casino tribe agree to election to settle dispute
Leslie Lohse is Chair of the California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA). Robert Smith is CTBA's Treasurer. Pala is one of the Three Tribes that make up the California Tribal Business Alliance along with Paskenta and Viejas.
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Court of Claims Register
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
1925 Pala Census
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
California Continues With Its Push to Keep Guns Out of Paskenta Dispute
redbluffdailynews.com State seeks to keep guns away from Rolling Hills Casino
RED BLUFF >> The State of California on Monday filed a request in federal court for a preliminary injunction against the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians that essentially maintains the status quo of the temporary restraining order previously issued by a federal judge that has kept armed security forces away from Rolling Hills Casino in Corning.
#
Excerpt:
Ousted members led by tribal Vice Chairman David Swearinger, treasurer Leslie Lohse, secretary Geraldine Freeman and member-at-large Allen Swearinger have previously said that shutting down the casino would bring a speedy resolution to the tribal dispute.
Members of the tribe led by Chairman Andrew Freeman, Vice Chairwoman Latisha Miller, treasurer Ambrosia Rico, secretary Andrew Alejandre and member-at-large Natasha Magana argue that shutting down the casino would put its employees out of work and "devastate the local economy," according to the state's preliminary injunction request filed Monday.
The preliminary injunction request seeks to keep the casino operating as it currently does, and keep firearms and armed personnel away from the tribe's properties.
Read Full Article Here --> redbluffdailynews.com State seeks to keep guns away from Rolling Hills Casino
Leslie Lohse is Chair of the California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA). Robert Smith is CTBA's Treasurer. Pala is one of the Three Tribes that make up the California Tribal Business Alliance along with Paskenta and Viejas.
RED BLUFF >> The State of California on Monday filed a request in federal court for a preliminary injunction against the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians that essentially maintains the status quo of the temporary restraining order previously issued by a federal judge that has kept armed security forces away from Rolling Hills Casino in Corning.
#
Excerpt:
Ousted members led by tribal Vice Chairman David Swearinger, treasurer Leslie Lohse, secretary Geraldine Freeman and member-at-large Allen Swearinger have previously said that shutting down the casino would bring a speedy resolution to the tribal dispute.
Members of the tribe led by Chairman Andrew Freeman, Vice Chairwoman Latisha Miller, treasurer Ambrosia Rico, secretary Andrew Alejandre and member-at-large Natasha Magana argue that shutting down the casino would put its employees out of work and "devastate the local economy," according to the state's preliminary injunction request filed Monday.
The preliminary injunction request seeks to keep the casino operating as it currently does, and keep firearms and armed personnel away from the tribe's properties.
Read Full Article Here --> redbluffdailynews.com State seeks to keep guns away from Rolling Hills Casino
Leslie Lohse is Chair of the California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA). Robert Smith is CTBA's Treasurer. Pala is one of the Three Tribes that make up the California Tribal Business Alliance along with Paskenta and Viejas.
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Online Gambling
Good article about Online Gambling. Here is an excerpt:
calvinayre.com IGAMING DEVELOPMENTS – CHRIS CHRISTIE AND SHELDON ADELSON
BY RAFI FARBER
The news out of New Jersey hasn’t been stellar of late, and Chris Christie is taking the heat for it. He famously, or rather infamously, predicted last May that New Jersey would earn $180M a year from a 15% internet gambling tax. He ended up with only $12M, about 7% of what he expected. If Christie had understood basic economics, he wouldn’t have made such a prediction. But Christie doesn’t understand basic economics, just like most politicians and government bureaucrats who make their living interfering with the economy.
iGaming Developments - Chris Christie and Sheldon AdelsonThe first crucial thing to grasp about the gambling industry is that it is not productive on net, meaning it does not produce tangible wealth. Rather it is essentially consumptive of wealth. This is not to badmouth gambling, but just to explain the nature of the industry in that it is a consumer industry. Producer industries are farming, construction, technology, that sort of thing. It’s the same with the restaurant industry, supermarkets, and the entire entertainment industry. These are consumer services that consume wealth, not produce it. The only thing gambling produces on net is consumer satisfaction, which is not tangible wealth.
Understanding that, Christie’s woes stem from the fact that the only way a consumer entertainment industry can bring in net revenue to a given territory is by attracting foreign wealth from outside its jurisdiction. Otherwise you are only dealing with the same pot of money, and just dividing it differently between industries.
The reason Nevada and Atlantic City earn money for their state governments is not because gambling in those states magically increases revenue from within. It is because Las Vegas and Atlantic City attract capital from areas outside of Nevada and New Jersey, and a percentage of that capital goes to tax revenue. If theoretically Nevada and New Jersey were to outlaw gambling for non-Nevada and New Jersey residents, there would be no net gain from the gaming industry in those states.
Read More Here --> calvinayre.com IGAMING DEVELOPMENTS – CHRIS CHRISTIE AND SHELDON ADELSON
calvinayre.com IGAMING DEVELOPMENTS – CHRIS CHRISTIE AND SHELDON ADELSON
BY RAFI FARBER
The news out of New Jersey hasn’t been stellar of late, and Chris Christie is taking the heat for it. He famously, or rather infamously, predicted last May that New Jersey would earn $180M a year from a 15% internet gambling tax. He ended up with only $12M, about 7% of what he expected. If Christie had understood basic economics, he wouldn’t have made such a prediction. But Christie doesn’t understand basic economics, just like most politicians and government bureaucrats who make their living interfering with the economy.
iGaming Developments - Chris Christie and Sheldon AdelsonThe first crucial thing to grasp about the gambling industry is that it is not productive on net, meaning it does not produce tangible wealth. Rather it is essentially consumptive of wealth. This is not to badmouth gambling, but just to explain the nature of the industry in that it is a consumer industry. Producer industries are farming, construction, technology, that sort of thing. It’s the same with the restaurant industry, supermarkets, and the entire entertainment industry. These are consumer services that consume wealth, not produce it. The only thing gambling produces on net is consumer satisfaction, which is not tangible wealth.
Understanding that, Christie’s woes stem from the fact that the only way a consumer entertainment industry can bring in net revenue to a given territory is by attracting foreign wealth from outside its jurisdiction. Otherwise you are only dealing with the same pot of money, and just dividing it differently between industries.
The reason Nevada and Atlantic City earn money for their state governments is not because gambling in those states magically increases revenue from within. It is because Las Vegas and Atlantic City attract capital from areas outside of Nevada and New Jersey, and a percentage of that capital goes to tax revenue. If theoretically Nevada and New Jersey were to outlaw gambling for non-Nevada and New Jersey residents, there would be no net gain from the gaming industry in those states.
Read More Here --> calvinayre.com IGAMING DEVELOPMENTS – CHRIS CHRISTIE AND SHELDON ADELSON
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Bwin.Party Might Be For Sale Soon
The CEO of Pala Interactive LLC is Jim Ryan. He was formerly Co-CEO of Bwin.Party.
bloomberg.com Bwin.Party Online Casino Said to Weigh Possible Sale
By Christopher Palmeri Jun 26, 2014
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Plc, (BPTY) a pioneer of online gambling, is considering selling some or all of the company as part of a strategic review, two people with knowledge of the matter said.
The Gibraltar-based company, a partner in New Jersey’s new online betting market with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, hired Deutsche Bank AG (DBK) to consider its options, said the people, who requested anonymity because the matter isn’t public. The company will decide within two months, one person said. In a statement today, Bwin said it has no plans to break up or sell the company.
The discussions follow a share drop, a change in board leadership and a disappointing start to online betting in the U.S. A new threat emerged this month when PokerStars, the world’s dominant poker website, agreed to be sold in a deal that could hasten its re-entry to the fledgling U.S. market after an absence of several years.
Read More Here --> bloomberg.com Bwin.Party Online Casino Said to Weigh Possible Sale
***WARNING***
bloomberg.com Bwin.Party Online Casino Said to Weigh Possible Sale
By Christopher Palmeri Jun 26, 2014
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Plc, (BPTY) a pioneer of online gambling, is considering selling some or all of the company as part of a strategic review, two people with knowledge of the matter said.
The Gibraltar-based company, a partner in New Jersey’s new online betting market with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, hired Deutsche Bank AG (DBK) to consider its options, said the people, who requested anonymity because the matter isn’t public. The company will decide within two months, one person said. In a statement today, Bwin said it has no plans to break up or sell the company.
The discussions follow a share drop, a change in board leadership and a disappointing start to online betting in the U.S. A new threat emerged this month when PokerStars, the world’s dominant poker website, agreed to be sold in a deal that could hasten its re-entry to the fledgling U.S. market after an absence of several years.
Read More Here --> bloomberg.com Bwin.Party Online Casino Said to Weigh Possible Sale
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
PokerStars Makes Progress In New Jersey
www.casino.org - PokerStars Could Return to New Jersey Market by Fall
JUNE 27, 2014 BY DAVID SHELDON
PokerStars’ carefully orchestrated sale to Amaya Gaming for $4.9 billion looks like it might well pay off for the world’s biggest poker site. The ink was still running down the page on that $4.9 billion contract when New Jersey gaming officials announced that they had met with representatives from Amaya, and this week they told the Associated Press that they were optimistic that PokerStars may be able to join the New Jersey market as early as this fall.
JUNE 27, 2014 BY DAVID SHELDON
PokerStars’ carefully orchestrated sale to Amaya Gaming for $4.9 billion looks like it might well pay off for the world’s biggest poker site. The ink was still running down the page on that $4.9 billion contract when New Jersey gaming officials announced that they had met with representatives from Amaya, and this week they told the Associated Press that they were optimistic that PokerStars may be able to join the New Jersey market as early as this fall.
Also see:
osga.com - Does Amaya Gaming’s purchase of PokerStars and Full Tilt open the way to the U.S. market?
By: Hartley Henderson - Exclusive to OSGA.com
Published: Jun 26, 2014
The poker world was provided quite the shock recently when it was announced that Amaya Gaming will be purchasing PokerStars and Full Tilt poker for $4.9 billion. While there had been some speculation about the sale for a few months prior, most in the industry believed the sale would never be consummated due to the cost.
For those unfamiliar with the Quebec based company, Amaya entered the online gaming market in 2004 supplying software for electronic poker tables. In 2006 they hired David Baazov a 26 year-old entrepreneur as CEO and he made it quite clear at the time that his goal was to make Amaya a major player in all realms of legal government regulated online gambling through acquisitions. The company did have a few small acquisitions at first but really made a splash in 2011 and 2012 when they made several major purchases. First in early 2011 they purchased gaming software company Chartwell Technologies for $22.8 million; later that year they purchased Cryptologic for $36 million; late in the year they purchased Cadillac Jack for $167 million; and finally in 2012 they bought bwin.party's surplus Ongame poker Network for $15 million. As well, Amaya inked a partnership agreement with Australian based Aristocrat gaming and not surprisingly revenues at Amaya soared by over 200%.
But as successful as those deals had been the purchase of PokerStars and Full Tilt from the Oldford Group (parent company of the Rational Group) puts Amaya in a position to be the biggest online gambling company in the world.
Read More Here --> osga.com - Does Amaya Gaming’s purchase of PokerStars and Full Tilt open the way to the U.S. market?
***WARNING***
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Cristy Fajardo KCBS Video On Disenrollments
I was asked to repost this video since apparently many people have not seen it. Robert Smith is briefly interviewed.
In other news:
washingtonpost.com - Grocery bags full of cash, a missing jet and the armed fight for a Native American casino
***WARNING***
In other news:
washingtonpost.com - Grocery bags full of cash, a missing jet and the armed fight for a Native American casino
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
California Sues Paskenta
Lots of news breaking relating to Paskenta.
Here are the headlines:
appeal-democrat.com State files suit against tribal factions
Chicoer.com - State sues Paskenta Nomlaki, seeking retaining orders; cites threat to health and safety
krcrtv.com Sides react to state lawsuit against Paskenta tribe
krcrtv.com The cost to keeping the peace at Rolling Hills Casino
krcrtv.com Federal judge issues restraining order in tribal dispute
courthousenews.com Tense, Armed Standoff at Indian Casino
redbluffdailynews.com Kiley Willard: Observations on tribal split
In Depth Article:
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com Epic Paskenta Dispute Continues Despite BIA Cease and Desist Letter
Here are the headlines:
appeal-democrat.com State files suit against tribal factions
Chicoer.com - State sues Paskenta Nomlaki, seeking retaining orders; cites threat to health and safety
krcrtv.com Sides react to state lawsuit against Paskenta tribe
krcrtv.com The cost to keeping the peace at Rolling Hills Casino
krcrtv.com Federal judge issues restraining order in tribal dispute
courthousenews.com Tense, Armed Standoff at Indian Casino
redbluffdailynews.com Kiley Willard: Observations on tribal split
In Depth Article:
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com Epic Paskenta Dispute Continues Despite BIA Cease and Desist Letter
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Paskenta
There's been much going on at Paskenta. If you have been reading the news then like me you have probably had a hard time trying to figure out exactly what is going on. Dueling press releases have also clouded the issues. As things stand right now it appears the BIA is recognizing the ousted Executive Committee members while the current Committee headed by Andy Freeman seems to have the support of the tribe.
Here are some articles that go into detail:
Press Release - Paskenta Nomlaki Indians Try to Resolve Tribal Dispute Peacefully
Excerpt:
Read More Here - Press Release - Paskenta Nomlaki Indians Try to Resolve Tribal Dispute Peacefully
SacBee - Northern California tribe splits into armed camps over casino profits
Excerpt:
Here are some articles that go into detail:
Press Release - Paskenta Nomlaki Indians Try to Resolve Tribal Dispute Peacefully
Excerpt:
The members of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians emphatically demonstrated their support of their newly elected Tribal government this week.
On Wednesday, about 100 Tribal Members gathered at the entrance to the Tribe’s Rolling Hills Casino to show that an overwhelming majority of the Tribe supports recent General Council actions on membership issues and the replacement of four members of the former Tribal Council. They were also there to rebuff a threatened effort by the ousted Tribal Council members to take over the Casino. Read More Here - Press Release - Paskenta Nomlaki Indians Try to Resolve Tribal Dispute Peacefully
SacBee - Northern California tribe splits into armed camps over casino profits
Excerpt:
On May 2, Freeman issued a statement saying the new Tribal Council “has discovered substantial hard evidence of massive embezzlement of funds from the tribe by members of the suspended family and former Tribal Treasurer Leslie Lohse, Tribal Administrator Ines Crosby and Tribal Economic Development Director John Crosby.”
Freeman produced canceled checks to support his allegation that Crosby misappropriated $1.4 million from tribal accounts to pay for his house, swimming pool, basketball court and remodeling work.
The connection between Paskenta and Pala is the California Tribal Business Alliance. Paskenta's ousted treasurer Leslie Lohse is Chair of the California Tribal Business Alliance. Robert Smith is treasurer of the California Tribal Business Alliance.
http://www.caltba.org/who/boardofdirectors
***WARNING***
Chairman Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pala Reservation, is monitoring your comments. He is going to track your IP address and "take action" against any tribal member posting comments he does not like.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)