PokerStars has faced its share of detractors in the potential California online poker market, including the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, which recently funded a radio ad to bash Stars. But this hasn’t deterred the world’s largest iPoker room since they launched a website called Californians4ipoker.com to educate Golden State residents. That said, let’s briefly discuss this new site along with the PokerStars Pro Tour that they’ve announced.
Sponsored by Multiple Groups
Californians4ipoker.com is more than just a PokerStars initiative; it’s also supported by two Indian tribes and three cardrooms, including the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Commerce Hotel & Casino, Bicycle Hotel & Casino and the Hawaiian Gardens Casino. Not coincidentally, all five entities plan to partner with Stars when/if California iPoker is legalized. This site shows that the coalition is just as serious as ever about sticking together.
PokerStars wants Californians to know the Truth
It’s commonly been said that several tribal gaming interests want to keep Stars out of the California online poker market to reduce competition. So in a section of the website entitled “Principles for establishing Online Poker in California,” PokerStars lets players know about the anti-competitive actions taken by certain tribes. Here’s one choice excerpt:
“We must abandon the failed, divisive politics of the past that motivated anti-competitive and likely unconstitutional legislative proposals specifically intended to exclude one of the most successful and well-regulated iPoker service provider from California’s market.”
Benefits of California Online Poker are explained
Another interesting section of this site is called “10 Reasons We want iPoker in California.” The purpose of this is just to explain all the benefits of legalizing and regulating the game. A few of the main benefits include that Californians should have the right to play, their money will be protected, jobs will be created, iPoker is good for businesses, and millions of tax dollars will be raised.
PokerStars Pro Tour is coming
As usual, Stars will be cross-promoting their brand through a land-based tournament organization called the PokerStars Pro Tour. We certainly don’t expect a second-coming of the EPT, but this tour will give California residents a chance to meet famous players like Chris Moneymaker, Daniel Negreanu, Vanessa Selbst and Jason Somerville. The idea is just a meet and greet where people will probably play cash games and/or small tournaments with the pros.
As proven by Californians4ipoker.com, it’s pretty clear that Stars is fighting pretty hard for their inclusion in the market. And they have plenty of experience with lobbying and politicians, so don’t expect a few negative radio ads to ruin PokerStars’ chances of operating in California.