This week’s Poker News carried an interesting article informing poker players of steps that can be taken to make their displeasure felt at the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
“Whether you are a casual poker player, professional, or simply an interested spectator in American politics, the recent passage of the Port Security Bill should have been met with outrage,” says the article. “However, while it was unfortunate that the bill was passed in the first place, you should not feel powerless; we as a poker community still have methods available to weaken the power of this bill.”
The piece goes on to recommend writing a personalised letter to local political representatives – the congressmen and women who allowed this legislation to pass. Describing this course as one of the most effective, Poker News advises that Congressmen take these letters seriously; their job is to serve their local constituents, and taking the time out to write a letter shows that the issue is important enough that it could potentially win them a vote during the upcoming election season.
The story goes on to give advice on how to find the name and address of US political figures at www.visi.com, where visitors need only enter their postal zip code to access information relevant to their disrtict.
The author urges poker players to write politely and objectively, be sure to include name and contact info and to identify the bill to which they are objecting (in this case the online gambling attachment to HR 4954) The following guidelines for content are suggested:
* According to a recent poll by ABC News (there are others, such as the Wall Street Journal poll), the vast majority of Americans do not feel a ban on online gaming is necessary
* There is very strong evidence showing that poker is a game of skill and should be given an exemption separating it from other forms of gambling in the same way that “carve-outs” have been granted to horse racing, fantasy sports and state lotteries.
* Regulating online poker, rather than prohibiting it, will probably just drive it underground to the detriment of the US player.
* Estimates have shown that if Congress were to regulate rather than restrict online poker, it could generate up to $3.3 billion for the federal government
Attracting attention to the contentious nature and inequities of the UIGE Act through local media is also recommended. The Poker Players’ Alliance has an excellent tool on its website which makes creating a personalised letter to the editors local newspapers quick and easy.
Enlisting the support and educating Americans through mainstream media outlets generally about the passage of the bill could provide a significant advantage in getting online poker back on track.
“But the ultimate expression of opposition to the UIGE Act is to go out and vote for the representative that you feel will represent the issues you care about the most! Election day is November 7th, and your representatives are doing everything in their power to secure your vote. Taking less than 15 minutes out of your day to contact those with power may help ensure your right to practice online the game that takes a minute to learn but a lifetime to master,” the article concludes.