When California Assemblyman Mike Gatto introduced an online poker bill last month, he indicated at the time that AB 9 was being offered as a starting point and that changes would be required before the final version was achieved.

The first amendments to AB 9 have been announced via press release and Gatto has decided to scrap the idea of requiring in-person appearances for initial deposits and certain withdrawals. That provision in Gatto’s proposal received considerable criticism and the lawmaker showed his flexibility by nixing the idea.

Q:After meeting with security experts and hearing from poker players and industry professionals, I have concluded that online poker would be best served by making in-person registration an option rather than a requirement,” Gatto said.;

Gatto’s initial thoughts were that the anti-online gambling crowd who are concerned about fraud, money laundering and minors accessing gaming sites would be appeased by the in-person requirement. He has since apparently become convinced that he was perhaps trying to fix a problem that exists only in the minds of those who oppose online poker and gambling.