Letters: A fair deal for online poker

Re “Regulating online poker,” Editorial, June 19

State Sens. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Rod Wright (D-Inglewood) deserve praise for their legislation to address online poker fraud.

The 60 tribes and card rooms of the California Online Poker Assn., or COPA, have been working with legislators to authorize safe and secure online poker that generates new state revenue. COPA supports legislation that ensures technology vendors cannot exert financial control over state licensees acting as “false fronts,” thereby weakening California’s gaming regulations. All license applicants should be subject to the regulations in place. However, reevaluating existing authorized poker operators already deemed suitable only delays protections and revenue.

The Internet represents gaming’s future, and California needs to be involved. COPA will continue to work with Sacramento to advance legislation that best benefits Californians.

Robert Martin, Cabazon

Haig Papaian, Commerce

Martin is chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians; Papaian is chief executive of Commerce Casino. Both are members of COPA’s Board of Managers.

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