AB 2863 Summary

• Establishes the Internet Poker Consumer Protection Act of 2016 to authorize intrastate internet poker games in California through licensed operators, with 7-year licenses subject to automatic renewal.

• Restricts eligible operators to card rooms and federally recognized California Indian tribes that have operated land-based gaming facilities for at least three years in good standing.

• Requires licensed operators to implement age verification (21+), geolocation verification, and player protection measures including self-exclusion programs and play limits.

• Imposes a $12.5 million one-time license deposit per operator and 10% quarterly tax on gross gaming revenues, with funds allocated to horse racing programs, state fairs, and gambling enforcement.

• Prohibits aggregating computers in public venues for internet poker play, prohibits unlicensed internet gambling, and makes violations felonies punishable by imprisonment.