By Poker Intensity Senior Editor, Hillary LaClair
With the U.S. government cracking down on online poker sites, the Poker Players Alliance needs more support than ever. The organization is calling out for the aid of its internet gaming brethren. Its chairman and former New York Senator, Alfonse D’Amato has gotten the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) the political exposure it needs to keep the case open for gaming regulation. His message now for the gaming masses is to get active and vocalize its support for the legalization of internet gambling.
The PPA takes a rare stance in Washington, as it calls for its users to be taxed. The idea is that online poker sites could draw in substantial revenue and tax to help with the current deficit. “We have come a long way in educating members of Congress and state elected officials that poker is a game of skill and is not a crime,” D’Amato states. PPA is a non-profit organization whose only mission is to establish a legal and safe venue for people to play online poker.
The PPA has made it easier for its advocates to voice their support with a booth set up outside of the Amazon Room at the World Series of Poker this year. Using the booth, people may contact Congressman and other elected officials to speak on behalf of the regulatory bill. Online poker players are encouraged to share their testimonials via video broadcast. The site will then send these recordings to various Congressmen and the videos will be available for viewing on PPA’s website. Additionally, the site offers various other support resources such as responsible gaming articles, poker facts, a library of information, and legal standpoints(both federal and state). A free brochure is offered to anyone who visits with the PPA that provides brief discussion on the benefits of online poker and the consequences of the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act).
It is free to join the alliance and the membership offers numerous benefits. Members of the PPA will receive free newsletters with press release information, alerts on local, state and federal poker legislation, and access to methods of contacting judicial officials, among other things. For those who wish to further support the PPA, donations may be made. The donations being sought are copy and print services, graphic design, video output, and writing. The PPA does not ask for monetary donations, but does offer a premium membership with only a $20 fee. Players may also volunteer their time to the PPA in project work, distribution of the organization’s information and more.
I strongly encourage any member of the gaming industry to participate in this organization. The U.S. government intervention in online gambling has severely increased within the past years, launching attacks on foreign gaming establishments, third party payment processors and even the gamers themselves. If things continue, it won’t be long before U.S. players are prohibited from participating in online gambling altogether. If you still think the problem with gambling legislation is not a serious one, think again.
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