One of the most vociferous opponents of the US online gaming legislation, the Poker Players’ Association has vowed that it will keep up the fight to persuade legislators that online poker is a game of skill and not one of chance, and is therefore perfectly legal for its millions of players.
Reports on Monday indicated that the PPA had managed to contact leading Republican politicians behind the new US law and had expressed its outrage at the manner in which the law had been pushed through late on Friday, and the interference in financial channels to online poker sites that it implied.
President Michael Bolcerek said: “We continue to demand that poker receive separate treatment from other forms of gaming. It is a game of skill, where performance is merited, and a community game, where the house is not your competition. These are real and significant differences.
“Our desire is to achieve the same type of exemption from legislation that other interests have received (Horseracing, Lotteries, and Fantasy Sports). We will continue to push forward to obtain this separate treatment when Congress comes back from the elections and into the next legislative session. Between now and when the new bill becomes effective (3 to 6 months) poker has an opportunity to achieve the same exemption. This is our most immediate short-term goal: License, Regulate and Tax.
“Regulation is the best public policy solution for both the federal government and the American poker player. Prohibition of on-line poker will only drive the game underground and build distrust and misunderstanding amongst the 70 million Americans who enjoy the great game of poker.
“I spent the better part of the year engaging members of the House and Senate about the idea of regulating Internet poker. This has raised interest from both Democrats and Republican’s alike. There has even been legislation introduced that seeks to establish a Congressional commission that would examine the best way to regulate this industry.
“Early this summer the PPA commissioned an economic analysis of the potential tax revenue that could be raised through regulation. Members of Congress have been receptive to this study and the $3.3 billion that could be raised annually for the federal government. This is our ultimate goal and the PPA will drive this agenda.”
Bolcerek followed this with a recommendation to his 110 000 members that could strike a chilling chord with some politicians:
“What should you do know? First, every member of the PPA should be registered to vote in the upcoming state and federal elections. If you are not yet registered there is still time, click here to find out about how to register in your state. https://ssl.capwiz.com/congressorg/e4/nvra/
“Second, be sure to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7th. We must put our vote where our voice is and establish a poker voting block.
“While the Port Security Act which included the prohibition legislation was passed near unanimously in both the House and the Senate, the House did have a clean vote on the poker prohibition in July. A list of how House members voted in July is available on our Web site too at www.pokerplayersalliance.org.”
Bolcerek concluded by urging poker players to recruit more members, aiming for a membership of 1 million by 2007.