January 27, 2010 (CAP Newswire) — The age of Arnold is coming to an end, and California, the most populated state in the U.S., is getting read to elect a new governor. And with casino groups in that state trying to come up with a plan to legalize and regulate online gambling, the next governor could represent a big step forward in their plans. (Or, of course, a step back.)
Most gambling groups in the state are apparently supporting Jerry Brown, who already served as the state’s governor from 1975 to 1983 (and, since that pre-dates the state’s 1990 two-term limits, he’s eligible to run again).
“Whoever wins in November will negotiate any new deals permitting tribes to expand their operations, hold sway over Internet gambling and help decide whether to allow new casinos on land that is not now part of reservations,” writes Dan Morain in the Sacramento Bee.
Brown is thought to be generally supportive of the gambling industry. “The Brown family and gambling have a rich history,” Morain continues. “One of Brown’s grandfathers owned card rooms in San Francisco’s Tenderloin and employed Jerry’s father, Pat Brown, who preceded Brown as governor.”
Brown’s main opponents, Republicans Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner, are considered to be much less open to the idea of legalized online gambling. Brown has certainly received a great sum in campaign contributions from casino groups — read the numbers at Morain’s article, here.
Brown’s election could be the motivation the state needs to finally regulate its huge network of online gambling and Internet poker, which has stalled lately.