“Legalize it. Put regulations in place. Partner with reputable companies – companies that are publicly traded and held accountable by public investors, gaming regulators and law enforcement.”

Why would a bookie extend a line of credit of at least $4.5 million to someone who said he was drawing an $85,000 salary as an interpreter with the Los Angeles Angels?

“If that’s what I want to do, let me do it,” Coleman said. “At least put the power in the hands of the people in the state to choose if that’s what they want to do.”