In Sacramento, California, time is running out for lawmakers to push through gambling legislation that could allow the legalization of Internet gaming in the state.
With only about two weeks remaining to get something on the books, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians are rallying support from other California tribal leaders to try and pressure the state legislature to get the process done before the session ends.
“We expect quite a few more signatures before midnight,” Morongo spokesman Patrick Dorinson said. “We’re very pleased; we will use the coalition to try to get legislation passed.”
According to Dorinson, 21 tribes have committed to the California Online Poker Association as a way to unify their efforts to expand their gaming options in the Golden State.
The tribes feel that the federal push to legalize online poker and other Internet based casino games could threaten their collective economies if Indian gaming is not included in legislation to legalize the games.
The move to unite an join the association will give tribal gaming leaders more power to influence any new bill put forth in the state legislature.






