Online Poker/Gambling

California is considering a proposed measure set fourth to legalize intra-state online poker, Senate Bill 678 would authorize the operation of Internet poker Web sites within the borders of this state.

The bill will require the California Gambling Control Commission to establish a regulatory framework for the license of eligible entities and the operation of internet poker web sites.

“The Gambling Control Act provides for the license of certain individuals and establishments that conduct controlled games as defined and for the regulation of these gambling activities by the California Gambling Control Commission,” reads the introduction of Senate Bill 678.

“The Department of Justice has related investigatory and enforcement duties under the act. Any violation of these provisions is punishable as a misdemeanor as specified.

“This bill would authorize the operation of Internet poker websites within the borders of this state. The bill would require the Commission to establish a regulatory framework for the license of eligible entities and the operation of Internet poker websites within the borders of the state.”

Chris Ferguson, former World Series of Poker champion and originating founder of Full Tilt Poker, FTP is currently owned by The Rational Group, has come to settlement terms with federal prosecutors. Ferguson has agreed to forfeit millions he acquired as a principal founder, the eight-page settlement was signed by Tuesday from the infamous Black Friday civil lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department in September 2011. Ferguson along with fellow poker player Howard Lederer and other Full Tilt owners were accused of allegedly defrauding online customers out of $443.8 million.

In Nevada, the buzz is that state have beaten NJ to the punch by legalizing online gambling as Gov. Brian Sandoval signed legislation Thursday. Gov. Christie was slated to have supposedly been considering signing off on the amended vetoed bill from earlier this month but Nevada strategically has stepped in and made the “historic day” happen instead.

Sandoval spoke to the people stating, “Today I sign into law the framework that will usher in the next frontier of gaming in Nevada.” “This bill is critical to our state’s economy and ensures that we will continue to be the gold standard for gaming regulation.”

Following last weeks signing by Gov Sandoval, Govenor Christie slated to sign NJ’s online gambling bill by end of today, as New Jersey state Sen. Raymond Lesniak, a sponsor of the bill spoke, “There’s every reason to get this going,” as Lesniak is confident the bill will pass both chambers of the Legislature.

For now while Nevada celebrates, others are wondering how the Federal Governments reactions to the legislation following their closures of major online gambling sites in the past will play out in the near future.

Poker Tournaments

In tournament news, Vladimir Bozinovic won the WPT Baden in Austria, beating out 254 players to finally take home the winning 1st place cash prize of €185,000. The final results were as follows:

1. Vladimir Bozinovic, $271,258
2. Paul Berende, $172,695
3. Oswin Ziegelbecker, $111,587
4. Kimmo Kurko, $81,034
5. Marvin Rettenmaier, $59,496
6. Grzegorz Wyraz, $47,820

Sunday Million celebrates lucky year number seven and PokerStars wants to make it interesting by not only guaranteeing a $7 million prize pool with a guaranteed $1 million for first place, but by rewarding prizes to a very lucky someone who can guess the number of participants.

Visit PokerStars and find the poll where you can place your guess, if you’re one of the closest 50 guesses, PokerStars promises to give you a seat in the main event of the next Micro Millions series.

All entries have to be in by midnight Eastern Time on Friday, March 1st. Registration for the event will close at 5:30pm Eastern Time on Sunday, March 3rd – that’s when everyone know who the guesstimate winners are.

Perspective’s Weekly

Now here to chat you up even more is J Todd in this weeks episode of Perspective’s Weekly as he continues the exploration into the current gambling legislation in Mississippi, New Jersey, California and Nevada.