The publication iGaming Player is the latest to give voice to a growing rumour that online poker giant Pokerstars is working with the powerful Morongo Band of Mission Indians in California as the state moves forward on internet poker legalisation.
There are currently two online poker legalisation bills awaiting attention in the California state legislature (see previous reports) and, according to the scuttlebutt, Pokerstars has an interest in ensuring that “bad actor” clauses that might be used against its entry into the intrastate market are not included in any bill that may be passed.
iGaming Player is an affiliate-oriented operation, but claims that its information comes from a reliable source close to developments.
It’s not the first to note the Morongo-Pokerstars association; Gambling Compliance has published similar claims, including the involvement of two major card rooms and reportage an intention to block “bad actor” clauses.
Still struggling to achieve licensing in New Jersey, Pokerstars is understandably interested in populous California and the commercial opportunities that legalisation might present, although state lawmakers have struggled to achieve legalisation despite repeated proposals over the past three years.
Neither Pokerstars nor parent The Rational Group has thus far commented on the rumours.