Assemblyman Mike Gatto has introduced a bill that could pave the way for the long-awaited launch of online poker in the US state of California next year.

The AB 9 legislation has been designed to create a framework for the state's online poker industry.

AB 9 would establish a regulatory structure that would provide all participants, from players to website operators, with "certainty and security that will legitimise the game, support locally-owned businesses, and keep much-needed revenue in the state," Gatto's website said.

AB 9 appears to be similar to the bill submitted, but ultimately withdrawn by Senator Lou Correa, earlier this year.

The legislation was scrapped after Correa admitted in August that there would not be enough time for the bill to be passed before the end of 2014.

Both bills limit operator licences to tribal casinos and card rooms, while both also have a 'bad actor' clause to exclude companies and individuals involved in US-facing online gambling after December 31, 2006.

"The status quo is a lost opportunity," Gatto said. "California could receive significant revenue for merely regulating and legitimising an industry that Californians already participate in but send their dollars overseas."

Gatto's website added that AB 9 would adopt a number of established business practices from the worlds of banking and e-commerce as well as the California Lottery to counter criticisms and concerns.

"California has led the world in computer and internet innovation, and there is no good reason why we can't continue to lead with a sensible online-poker framework," Gatto added.

"AB 9 borrows from time-tested business practices that will improve our government finances and keep our money in our home state."

This is a reprint from CalvinAyre.com. to view the original, click here.