PokerStars partnered with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians a few months ago in preparation for online poker in the state of California. The online poker room recently announced they are now working with the San Manuel Band of Indians in support of online poker in the state. According to a report by CardPlayer, the Amaya Gaming Group now adds the tribe to the agreement they have with the Morongo tribe as well as three card rooms in the state.
PokerStars has seen very little support from the tribes in the state as most want to see a bad actor clause enacted in the state. The bad actor clause would keep anyone who operated online poker after the UIGEA was created from offering online poker, PokerStars being one such company. With the addition of the San Manuel tribe to the partnership in the state, PokerStars now seems to have even more hope of offering online poker in the United States.
Of course, California does not currently offer online poker, but if the option is legalized, PokerStars, the two tribes and three card rooms; the Hawaiian Gardens Casino, Commerce Casino and Bicycle Casino are involved in the deal with Amaya Gaming. San Manuel Band of Mission Indians operate slots, poker, blackjack and bingo in the state and now look forward to working with PokerStars.
Lynn Valbuena, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman, stated that the tribe is pleased to join the coalition and are convinced that the various interests must work together if they are to be successful in creating a well-regulated environment and a best-in-class internet poker industry for the state. PokerStars is also happy to be partnered with San Manuel and are looking forward to working with Legislature to develop the industry in the state along with other stakeholders and those who have a vested interest.