BILL NUMBER:  AB 2760
  VETOED	DATE: 09/30/2000




SEP 30 2000

To the Members of the Senate:

I am returning Assembly Bill 2760 without my signature.

This bill would amend current statute to allow Internet and telephone
wagering on horse races and add various provisions to govern those
activities.  The bill would also provide new protections for
racetrack "backstretch" employees including badly needed standards
for living conditions such as housing, establishment of a health and
welfare fund, and the right to organize for collective bargaining
purposes.

If this bill contained only the backstretch provisions, I would sign
it.  However, I cannot support the provisions lifting the State ban
on Internet and telephone wagering.

Changing State law to allow wagering via the Internet and telephone
would be a major change in the status quo and, I believe, a
significant expansion of gambling in California.

* It would create State-sanctioned Internet and telephone betting.
This would expand the opportunities for horse race wagering by making
gambling legally available through the Internet and telephone.

* It would expand the scope of gambling by allowing Internet and
telephone betting on out-of-state and out-of-country horse races.

* It would open the door to children and teenagers placing bets using
their parents' accounts over the Internet.

* And it would allow continual betting through commercial betting
systems without being limited by the racing season of any particular
racing association.

If the Legislature sends me a bill to protect backstretch employees
from being subjected to dismal living and working conditions, I will
sign it.

Sincerely,





GRAY DAVIS