While California decides whether to allow internet gambling, a San Diego Indian Tribe jumps into the game, launching it’s own internet poker site PrivateTable.com.
The Iipau Nation of Santa Ysabel says because it’s a tribal entity, it can set up it’s own regulatory structure just like state governments can.
David Vialpando chairs the Gaming Commission at San Ysabel.
"It’s going to offer folks the first legal regulatory vetted internet poker," he said.
Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware have already legalized internet gambling. California has two bills that would legalize it. "We are hoping that the state uses our experience here at Santa Ysabel to help them craft the framework for internet gaming," he said.
Vialpando says it’s hoped the site will be a winning hand for not just players, but the tribe. He says much of the infrastructure is in disrepair including roads, buildings and the fire station. He says the money will also financially help the 950 enrolled members of the tribe.
"The unemployment rate here on the reservation at Santa Ysabel is substantially higher than in the county in general," he said.
But the spokeswoman for Gamblers Anonymous in San Diego says gambling can ruin lives and worries this will offer one more way for problem gamblers to get into trouble.
"It leads to suicidal ideas, suicide attempts, imprisonment, bankruptcy in every way financially, spiritually, emotionally, she said. "So now a compulsive gambler can have access 24/7 on a computer to games and is just as addicting as sitting in front of a blackjack table or poker table."
But Vialpando says the site can spot problem gamblers easier than brick and mortar casinos and can intervene.
"I can actually ask the system based on parameters we design to tell us when someone is actually getting in trouble with their betting behavior and can actually intercede," he said.
Right now the no real money is in the game, but in the next day or two Vialpando says real betting will begin. PrivateTable.com is only for California residents over the age of 18.
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