[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1 link=same] [bsa_pro_ad_space id=2]

Skip to Content

Operator News

US – ‘Many’ unaware of Californian gaming industry’s importance

By - 13 March 2015

Many people are still unaware of the huge influence and importance of the Californian gaming industry, according to Richard Schuetz, the Commissioner of the California Gambling Control Commission.

Mr. Schuetz, who will speak on an Open Space discussion about ‘Regulation, Policy & Public Awareness’ at GiGse next month at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, California, believes the state has become a key destination in the industry, even though there is an ongoing struggle over the introduction of online gambling legislation.

“It seems to still surprise many that the state of California is the largest producer of gross gaming revenues through gambling activities of any state in the nation,” Mr. Schuetz said.

“In point of fact, our tribal casinos generate more gaming revenues than Las Vegas. We have a lottery, a tribal segment featuring some of the most beautiful casino facilities in the world, a robust card room industry and a horse racing industry.”

Mr. Schuetz acknowledged a “diversity of opinion” over how to introduce online gambling legislation in the state – a topic that is certain to be a major discussion point at GiGse.
“I think the emphasis will be on legalisation efforts in the US markets,” Mr. Schuetz said, looking forward to GiGse.

Californian Assemblymen Reginald Jones-Sawyer and Mike Gatto have both tabled bills so far this year in an effort to regulate online poker in the state.

“There appears to a diversity of opinion on how to best craft an iGaming bill among the many stakeholders within the state,” Mr. Schuetz added.

“Until this diversity becomes consensus, it appears that achieving the necessary two-thirds vote of the legislature is going to be an uphill struggle. At this point in time, the lines being drawn appear quite significant, and no-one is giving a hint that they are anxious to blink.

“Essentially, the vast majority of analysts and writers in this space seem to believe that there is rough sledding ahead in iPoker’s future in this state, and I see no reason at this point in time to question or challenge these conclusions.

“As a commissioner, it really isn’t my role to be either for or against legalisation.
“If it is the will of two-thirds of the legislators, and the governor, to offer iPoker in the state of California, then the commission will work to ensure that the plan is executed to the best of our abilities.”

Other participants lined up for Mr. Schuetz’s discussion on April 20 at GiGse include Susan Hensel, Director, Bureau of Licensing, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board; A.G. Burnett, Chairman, Nevada State Gaming Control Board; Dave Vialpando, Chairman, Santa Ysabel Tribal Gaming Commission; Andre Wilsenach, CEO, Alderney Gambling Control Commission and Keith S. Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling.

GiGse will run from April 20 to 22.

Share via
Copy link