Help the PPA fight the new bills in congress aimed at banning online poker

[capnjim]

unless the feds can line there pocketts from it online poker will not be aloud

[NateVest]

With the poker community focused on defending against Sheldon Adelson's ban attempts, Wednesday's online poker hearing in California was certainly a breath of fresh air. It also served to remind us that we are still on offense, with the momentum. In fact, Las Vegas Sands was relegated to testifying 32nd out of the 33 witnesses at the hearing and was a complete non-factor in the discussion about the future of Internet poker in California.

The hearing was overwhelmingly positive. 30 of the witnesses were in favor of licensing online poker in California, one was neutral, and just two (including Las Vegas Sands) were opposed.

The discussion focused on the specifics of how Internet poker regulation will happen and who should be allowed to offer the game. Some suggested PokerStars should be blocked by a "bad actor" clause, while others wished for regulators to determine suitability for licensing, rather than it being a political decision. Yet others pointed out the date chosen passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 was arbitrary, as UIGEA did not ban anything (it was an enforcement measure) and that sites offering services in the US prior to UIGEA's passage were given a free pass. There was also considerable debate about which incumbent California gaming operators should be licensed Internet gaming operators. The state?s racetracks made fervent arguments to be included in the legislation.

PPA Executive Director John Pappas was invited to testify, but conflicts prevented his attendance. We offered and alternate to represent the players at the hearing. However, with so many pro-poker voices already confirmed to attend, a substitute for Pappas was not given the opportunity this time.

This was a terrific hearing that bodes well for getting more states on board with authorized online poker.

PPA Letter to Lock Poker

Due to the continued cash-out issues players are experiencing with Lock Poker, PPA today sent a letter to Lock demanding action on this issue. I encourage you to read this letter here.

In the letter, signed by PPA Executive Director John Pappas, PPA Litigation Support Director Patrick Fleming and me, we demand answers to the following:
Does Lock Poker keep players? funds segregated from operating funds? If so, what mechanism is used to accomplish this separation?
Does Lock Poker have, or will it be implementing, a system to organize its payment processing so that those who have been waiting the longest will be given priority in future payments?
Does Lock Poker have a timeline of its plan to pay its players in full?
In the meantime, we encourage extreme caution when depositing on Lock Poker. We also strongly encourage affiliates to remove Lock Poker ads and positive reviews. In the current state, these are at best misleading.

Webcast: Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny

On this week's webcast, I was joined by Lori Kolstad, Stacy Matuson and Lesley Amos for a panel discussion on women in poker. We had a terrific discussion and you won't want to miss this!
Directly downloadable MP3 file (right click to save, left click to listen)
Free iTunes download

Play Now

Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny airs live Monday at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on OnTilt Radio. Each show features great guests and the best discussion on poker legislation. Please be sure to tune in at OnTilt Radio-Your Poker Radio Plus Poker Social Network - OnTilt Radio-Your Poker Radio Plus Poker Social Network each week for the live show.

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Thank you for your continued support!

[LIB_CON]

I've been following some of the convo on Facebook....it's really getting heated up some days

[Musicmannn]

Thanks for the update. What I hate the most, is that the lawmakers are trying to ban online poker (played by millions of ordinary citizens) in order to "protect" the huge profits of a few billionaire casino owners. Aren't they supposed to protect the ordinary citizen? (Argh!)

[layoh21]

i hope it dose get banned i hate my addiction so much

[DuckU408]

the PPA has no power on anything. they are just a bunch of poker playing donks that got together. I consider them thugs with poker badges like them cops.

[nightmare31]

the PPA has no power on anything. they are just a bunch of poker playing donks that got together. I consider them thugs with poker badges like them cops.

LMAO the donk patrol .Im not worried bout banning online poker cause it will never happen too much money in it.