Orange County state Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) is better than a handful of aces, if you ask the California Gaming Association.
The group is praising Correa's proposed Senate Bill 40, which would legalize online poker in California and is opposed by--one guess--yes, greedy Nevada casino executives.
U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-The Bellagio) has been strenuously pushing a federal bill that favors Nevada casino companies over California Indian tribes.
The tribes are selling Correa's bill as a way to help lower the state's massive budget shortfall by creating a new government-revenue stream.
"I'm honored to have the support of the California Gaming Association behind SB 40," said Correa in a prepared statement. "The growing support for this legislation shows that now is the time for California to engage by creating a legal and safe environment for our residents who play online poker while also generating new revenues and jobs for our state."
--R. Scott Moxley / OC Weekly