California Governor to decide fate of online bingo bill

It is an almost bizarre reflection that US actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, once world renowned for his parts in Hollywood blockbusters such as Total Recall, The Last Action Hero and the Terminator movies, is now the Governor of the US state of California  who will determine the ultimate outcome of many key issues.

One such issue, the online bingo bill is currently under review by the famous Governor. The legislation if approved will enable significantly sized Californian charities to provide online bingo games throughout the state.

The proposal would also provide tribal casino operators with the prospect of breaking into the world of online bingo.

The bill has already been supported by other officials despite major opposition from many hundreds of smaller Californian charities, who face a major downturn in their fundraising if the new legislation is approved, since the proposed law also prohibits the use of the electronic bingo machines that are employed by hundred of small local charities and which are utilised heavily as a means of fundraising.

Instead, the new legislation proposes 'Remote Caller Bingo' which will facilitate synchronised games of bingo both online and across a number of land based bingo locations all over California, but will be inaccessible to smaller aid organisations across the region.

Should the bingo bill be approved, California will be the only state in the US that will permit legally recognised and endorsed online bingo facilities.

22nd September 2008