Canadian gaming provider Amaya Gaming has strengthened its effort to launch an online poker operation in California, should the US state opt to legalise this form of gambling, by entering into a partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
The Native American gambling group will now join the existing business agreement between Amaya, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the state’s largest card clubs – Commerce Club, Hawaiian Gardens Casino and Bicycle Casino.
Under the partnership agreement, all parties will jointly form a licensed online poker website and work together to push for the legalisation of this form of gambling in California.
“We are convinced that the various interests must work together if we are to be successful in establishing a well-regulated environment and the best-in-class Internet poker industry for California,” San Manuel Band of Mission Indians chairwoman Lynn Valbuena said.
Robert Martin, tribal chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, added: “We’re excited about the momentum and opportunities this new agreement represents in getting legislation passed.
“As tribes come together on this issue, the opportunity for success grows.”
Amaya Gaming is already established in the online poker market through its ownership of PokerStars, which it acquired earlier this year via an acquisition of the internet poker brand’s parent company, Rational Group.
Guy Templer, group business development director of PokerStars, added: “San Manuel is a strong, forward thinking operator and is a great partner to join our coalition in advocating for the development of an open and well regulated iPoker market in California.
“We are looking forward to working with the Legislature and with other stakeholders to help develop an industry that will benefit California consumers and the State alike.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
