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Field Poll: California Voters Want Taxed, Online Gambling

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—  A California Field Poll shows 53 percent of voters support legalizing and taxing online gambling. The poll suggests the measure as a good way for the state to create a new windfall of tax revenue.

Pollster Mark DiCamillo said voters like the idea since the state is always looking for new ways to make ends meet. 41 percent of voters are opposed, with Republicans evenly divided on the issue.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

Democrats on the other hand definitively support an online gambling tax. Age factored into the poll as well. Only 35 percent of Californians who are 65 or older support the concept

A bill was introduced in the legislature this year to regulate and tax online poker. The proposal was ultimately put on hold until January.

It's estimated that a tax of this type could provide the state with $1.4 billion in new revenue over the next decade and create about 1,400 new jobs.

"That's the enticement and voters seem to be on board," said DiCamillo.

18 percent of those polled have played poker either at an Indian casino or at another legal gambling establishment.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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