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:
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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.
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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

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