- California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA) includes strong opposition to any California gaming law that would allow PokerStars to receive a license to operate.
- From Leslie Lohse’s remarks, the inclusion of a “bad actor” clause in any legislation looks to be an issue which will be the subject of much debate.
A statement from Leslie Lohse, the Treasurer of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and Chairperson of the California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA), includes strong opposition to any California gaming law that would allow PokerStars to receive a license to operate.
She issued the statement in response to press reports that PokerStars was working with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and multiple California card clubs to offer online poker in California.
Citing PokerStars' continued presence in the US market following the introduction of UIGEA, Lohse said of the CTBA, “we will strongly oppose any legislation which allows PokerStars to participate.”
After Black Friday, PokerStars paid a $731 million out of court settlement to the US DOJ, but admitted no wrongdoing. The terms of the settlement expressly permitted PokerStars to apply for a federal gaming license should the law change.
Leslie Lohse was one of the most reluctant to endorse Californian liberalization of online poker at the recent Symposium on the subject. Chris Grove of the Online Poker Report tweeted her position:
The success of either of the California bills which are currently being considered depends on resolving the competing interests within the state—the views of the tribes are preeminent in securing legislative approval. As evidenced by Leslie Lohse’s remarks, the inclusion of a “bad actor” clause in any legislation will be the subject of much debate.
