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The Legal Poker Debate: Will Online Poker Finally Be Legalized in California?

While online poker is a billion-dollar global industry, its legality in California remains a bone of contention. However, there has been a wave of change in America’s gaming segment in the past few years, thanks to the recently struck-down PASPA and online accessibility.
Let’s dig deeper into the Golden State’s poker culture from the past to the present.
A History of Poker Laws in California
Californians played poker in the saloons as early as the Gold Rush of the 19th century. Cities like San Francisco were famous for their vibrant gambling scene in the 1800s. Indigenous California tribes have been operating and managing poker games in the state.
Further, the state legalized some forms of poker in the 1930s, such as draw and stud gambling. With this ruling, poker card rooms expanded in the Golden State, which became prime venues for law-abiding poker action.
In the late 1990s, playing online poker in a legal gray area became a reality for Californians. The California Constitution and Penal Code did not clearly authorize or prohibit such operations. Hence, this legal loophole allowed poker enthusiasts to play the card game on licensed offshore casino sites.
In the same year, attempts were also made to officially legalize poker. A landmark court decision allowed all forms of offline poker within the state, removing any confusion surrounding the earlier poker bans.
Hence, land-based poker games are legal in California now, with around 88 licensed card rooms operating legally. What about online poker gaming? Let’s find out!
Current Legal Barriers to Online Poker in California
Strict legal and political opposition to the legalization of online poker gaming is the foremost obstacle in California. Further, mandates on tribal gaming and card rooms sometimes overlap with poker regulations. Section 330 of the California Penal Code currently bans online poker within the state border.
California’s tribes hold exclusive rights to operate casino-style gambling, granted by compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). They argue that online poker infringes on these rights, mainly if non-tribal entities operate these gambling platforms.
Moreover, various consumer protection organizations fuel this resistance as they consider any form of gambling an addictive habit. Such critics argue that regulating online poker could promote overexposure and make gambling too easy for otherwise highly vulnerable people.
Hence, there have been endless legislative stalemates with no agreement on what to do about it.
Stakeholders in the Legalization Debate
Several groups play key roles in shaping California’s poker scene:
Tribal Casinos
California’s Native American tribes generate billions annually through land-based casinos. Many tribes view online poker as a competition that could impact their monopoly on gambling.
Legislators
Californian lawmakers try to balance consumer protection and compliance with federal regulations before lifting the ban on online gambling.
Card Rooms
California’s cardrooms operate under different rules than tribal casinos. The owners of these facilities usually advocate for the legalization of online poker to expand their customer base.
Economic Benefits of Legalizing Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California could yield substantial economic benefits:
- Tax Revenue: Licensed online poker markets would add hundreds of billions in tax revenues to the state annually. This revenue could fund other public services within the state, such as education and infrastructure development.
- Consumer Protection: California can regulate this industry to guarantee safe and fair play for its residents. It’ll also help reduce the problems that offshore unregulated platforms bring.
The Future Outlook for Online Poker in California
While progress has been slow, there are signs of hope for online poker fans in California.
For example, some tribes are willing to support online poker legislation under the exclusivity clauses. This step will ensure native tribes have a significant stake in the market. Public support for online gambling also appears to grow, driven by the success of legalized sports betting in other states.
The signs are promising, but the road ahead remains uncertain. The legal and political complexities mean that online poker California enthusiasts may need to wait longer to play their favorite card game online hassle-free.
Social Advantages of Legalized Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California isn’t just about revenue and market growth. There are obvious social benefits, too. A regulated environment assures responsible gaming practice via mandatory self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and esports support for players to manage their habits.
Additionally, legalization is likely to fund problems associated with gambling addictions. States with regulated online poker markets generally allocate a certain portion of tax revenue toward mental health services and addiction treatment. These measures ensure that gambling remains a source of entertainment without becoming an issue for society.
FAQs
- Is online poker currently legal in California?
No, online poker is not explicitly legal in California. While residents can play on offshore platforms, these sites operate outside state jurisdiction and lack regulatory supervision.
- Which are the best offshore poker gaming sites?
Californians can play real-money poker games on Bovada, Ignition Casino, and ACR Poker, which are regulated offshore casino sites.
- Are there any pending bills for online poker legalization?
Though past bills were introduced, very few survived the legislative process and were passed into law. Hence, the legalization of online poker is still pending in California.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, history has been kinder to poker gaming culture in California. With relaxed laws on traditional poker rooms, the online poker market also looks forward to positivity. It’s easy to see the benefits of online poker legalization, including more tax revenues and adequate consumer protection.
However, some issues still create roadblocks in the game’s legal battle. Complicated laws, tribal autonomy, and gambling addiction concerns put barriers to the legalization of online poker in California. For now, the state’s cardrooms and offshore casino sites are the only viable options to satisfy their poker gambling desires.
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Gurhan Kiziloz Secures Gaming License to Drive Nexus International’s $1.54 Billion Vision In 2025

Gurhan Kiziloz, the strategic force behind Nexus International, is accelerating his presence in the online gaming sector, leading the company’s rapid expansion. Under Nexus International, two brands—MegaPosta and Lanistar—sit at the core of its growth strategy.
While Lanistar continues to develop, it is MegaPosta that has already established itself as a major revenue driver. In 2024, MegaPosta generated $400 million, marking a significant milestone in Kiziloz’s aggressive scaling efforts.
With further expansion planned, projections indicate that revenue could climb to $1.54 billion in 2025. As he continues to push into new markets, Kiziloz’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and capitalize on high-growth sectors will determine whether Nexus can meet its ambitious targets.
A major step in this expansion involves securing a Brazilian gaming license and granting Nexus International access to one of the largest regulated betting markets globally. Meeting Brazil’s strict financial and operational compliance standards was a key requirement—an effort that Kiziloz personally oversaw as part of his mission to establish the company in fully regulated spaces.
With this approval, Nexus International is now authorized to operate and expand within Brazil, a market that has intensified regulations to curb unlicensed operators.
Kiziloz’s Strategy for Growing Nexus International
Kiziloz has ventured into multiple industries, with his entry into online gaming reflecting a deliberate move to leverage emerging regulatory shifts. Before entering this sector, he developed Lanistar as a fintech company, but under his leadership, it has evolved into an online gaming enterprise. This shift aligns with his broader approach to reshaping and scaling business models in response to market trends.
His direct involvement has fueled Nexus International’s expansion across Latin America. Megaposta has already gained traction in several countries, and with the Brazilian gaming license, Kiziloz has positioned the company for further growth. He has played a key role in negotiating strategic partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and setting a competitive direction against well-established gaming firms.
However, his strategy comes with obstacles. Brazil enforces strict regulations covering advertising, taxation, and consumer protection. Any compliance lapses could result in financial penalties or even the loss of the company’s operating license. Kiziloz now faces the challenge of ensuring Nexus International adheres to all legal requirements while navigating an increasingly competitive marketplace.
How Kiziloz Aims to Scale Nexus International
Under Kiziloz’s direction, Nexus International is targeting regions where legal online gaming is expanding. Megaposta has already established a foothold in Latin America, and the new Brazilian license enables the company to operate openly, unlike unlicensed competitors facing regulatory constraints.
Lanistar’s transformation from fintech to gaming was a calculated move by Kiziloz, allowing Nexus International to strengthen its position in sports betting and online casinos. By managing two platforms under one umbrella, Kiziloz diversifies revenue streams and broadens market reach.
Brazil’s updated gaming regulations have created a competitive environment where only licensed operators can legally offer betting services. By securing Nexus International’s place in this regulated market, Kiziloz ensures the company can advertise, collaborate with local businesses, and scale its user base without the uncertainties associated with unlicensed operations. However, increased compliance costs and operational restrictions remain challenges.
Revenue Goals & Industry Challenges
Kiziloz aims to drive Nexus International’s revenue to $1.45 billion through market expansion and higher user engagement. His approach focuses on attracting new users and increasing participation in sports betting and casino games, two of the most lucrative segments in online gaming.
Yet, the industry presents multiple challenges. Regulatory frameworks remain fluid, with governments frequently revising tax policies, imposing new restrictions, or tightening compliance requirements. Any legal adjustments in Brazil could directly impact Nexus International’s profitability.
Additionally, Nexus International faces competition from established gaming brands with strong customer loyalty and extensive marketing resources. To stay competitive, the company must prioritize user retention, introduce exclusive offerings, and deploy strategic marketing campaigns—all while complying with strict regulations.
Cybersecurity is another pressing concern. Online gaming platforms are often targeted by fraud and cyberattacks. To safeguard user data and maintain trust, Kiziloz must ensure Nexus International heavily invests in security infrastructure. Any security breach could lead to financial losses and reputational harm.
Where Kiziloz is Taking Nexus International Next
Beyond Brazil, Kiziloz is exploring opportunities to expand Nexus International into additional regulated markets.
Securing new licenses is a complex, time-intensive endeavor requiring compliance with diverse tax regulations, advertising laws, and consumer protection policies. Kiziloz must oversee negotiations, obtain regulatory approvals, and implement tailored marketing strategies to facilitate smooth market entry.
While the Brazilian license has laid the groundwork for expansion, Nexus International’s long-term success hinges on Kiziloz’s ability to tackle industry challenges. Ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and competing against major gaming operators will be critical in sustaining growth. His strategies in regulation, marketing, and technological investment will ultimately shape Nexus International’s trajectory in the coming years.
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Raketech Chairman Ulrik Bengtsson to Step Down Following New CEO Appointment

Raketech has been informed that Ulrik Bengtsson has accepted a role as full-time CEO of an international company. Ulrik has consequently informed the Board that this new role will eventually require him to step down from Chairman and Board member, but Ulrik remains available for re-election at Raketech’s AGM in May and is committed to stay on up until July 30th to assisting Raketech in the transition period. The nomination committee has started the process of finding a new board member, who may also assume the role of Non-Executive Chair. A further update will be provided in due course.
The Company appreciates this is an opportunity for Ulrik and thanks him for his contribution and dedication to the Raketech board since joining in May 2021.
“Stepping back into a full-time CEO role feels like the right professional move for me, and the opportunity I have been presented with is compelling. I am confident that the entire Raketech board and executive team remain dedicated to strengthening the balance sheet and shaping an exciting strategy that I expect will be unveiled to investors in the coming months. I firmly believe Raketech has the potential to be a key player in the global iGaming ecosystem, both now and in the future, and that the company is well-positioned to generate substantial returns for all shareholders over time.”
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Amusnet Joins Forces with Prominent Affiliate Chipy

Amusnet announces its partnership with Chipy, a leading affiliate platform dedicated to providing comprehensive insights into the online gaming industry. The collaboration will focus on delivering in-depth reviews of the casino provider’s extensive selection of top-notch casino titles to its large-scale of worldwide users.
“Joining forces with one of the most valuable affiliate platforms in the industry brings new opportunities to expand our reach and enhance the visibility of our games,” said Lillya Chatalbasheva, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at Amusnet. “We are excited to work with Chipy to showcase our innovative casino titles, especially our standout Coin Gobbler game, and can’t wait to bring even more engaging content to elevate the player experience.”
“I believe that partnering with Amusnet willadd significant value to our content, providing access to high-quality gaming content from a casino provider that is internationally recognized,” said Bogdan Romedea, PR Specialist at Chipy. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance the player experience and expand our vibrant community.”
Chipy.com provides a comprehensive database of over 2,000 online casinos, exclusive bonuses, and the latest gambling insights. Its mission focuses on maintaining up-to-date information, delivering genuine user reviews, and offering a customizable experience with advanced search filters. Beyond listings, the platform showcases games from top software providers and features over 15,000 games.
As we embark on this exciting partnership, we encourage gaming enthusiasts to explore the comprehensive reviews available on Chipy’s platform. With the spotlight on Coin Gobbler and other exciting Amusnet products, this collaboration promises to elevate the gaming experience and drive engagement in the online casino community. Stay tuned for more updates!
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