The Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations on Monday said it is opposed to state Sen. Rod Wright's measure to legalize online gambling.

 SENATE Bill 1485, in its present form, is so broad that even the tribe that worked to advance online gaming legislation for Californians — the Morongo Band of Mission Indians — signed TASIN's letter to Wright, the state Legislature, tribal governments and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The state Senate Governmental Organization Committee, which is chaired by Wright, has scheduled June 29 as the hearing date on the proposed intrastate online poker legislation.

TASIN is an intergovernmental association of 11 federally recognized Indian tribes. Its members include the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Morongo and Augustine bands of Mission Indians.

Morongo's signature was an unexpected twist.

“We've always supported the concept of intrastate poker in California because of consumer protections, revenue to the state and the fact it would bring the game out of the shadows,” said Patrick Dorinson, a spokesman for Morongo. “But we cannot support the bill in its present form.”

S.B. 1485 goes beyond poker and does not prevent offshore companies from bidding on three hubs that would be set up to operate the online gaming platforms.

“It would take money out of the state,” Dorinson said. “We said this should be a game for Californians, run by Californians.”

TASIN's letter, signed by its officers, said Wright's legislation would permanently alter the gaming landscape in California and undermine the foundation upon which tribal and state government decisions and financial commitments have been based.