Cantor Gaming Eying California Web Poker Legalization

Nevada bookmaker Cantor Gaming and Horse Racing United, a coalition of California horse racing businesses, are partnering up. On Friday, the two announced a deal that would see Cantor Gaming provide the group with technology for an intrastate online poker site.

The pair are banking on California legalizing web poker. Lawmakers are still pondering the issue.

The deal is also contingent on Horse Racing United snagging a license. California’s horse racing industry has exclusivity on web wagering on horses, should it become legal.

Josh Rubinstein, an executive at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, said in a press release: “In order to provide new revenue for the state, protect California jobs and make sure California is economically competitive, Horse Racing United is committed to working with the state to seek a legal Internet poker solution that works for all parties.”

Lee Amaitis, CEO of Cantor Gaming, added: “As other states begin to move to legalize online gaming, California is well-positioned to leverage its size and generate revenue that otherwise would not exist. The passage of this legislation is essential to Horse Racing United being selected as a licensee. If enacted, it will provide additional financial support to California’s horse racing industry, adding stability to approximately 50,000 jobs the industry supports directly and indirectly and setting a new chapter in its rich history.”

While California is still trying to legalize, Nevada and Delaware have both authorized Internet poker. Nevada is on the verge of seeing real-money play come to fruition. The Silver State has already issued three licenses.

Follow Brian Pempus on Twitter — @brianpempus

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