Onyyn
08-03-2006, 02:04 PM
Hi guys,
As some of you know, I'm a big advocate for poker in general, and online poker in particular. There are a number of issues affecting our ability to enjoy this game of skill, not the least of which is some misguided (in my opinion, of course) attempts by some lawmakers to selectively criminalize certain forms of wagering, while protecting other forms when they receive campaign contributions from the right people.
If you have any interest in the subject, I'd highly recommend checking out http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org and joining, if you so choose. I believe membership is now free.
A interesting editorial on the subject from a Slate writer:
http://www.slate.com/id/2146538/?nav=navoa
The House of Representatives recently voted to pass a ban on online gambling operations. The bill is effectively an update to the language of the Wire Act to include activities not expressly in the language of the old law (in other words, making new things illegal that weren't before). However, the bill exempts the use of the internet for horse racing bets, interstate lotteries, and fantasy sports. The bill's author has received campaign donations in the past from the National Horse Racing Association. To see how your representatives voted on this issue (H.R. 4411), check them out here: http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_keyvote_member.php?vote_id=3864
The sound on this is off, but it's a Jon Stewart rip on the House of Reps for passing the bill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtqhhy4sx-U
Howard Lederer, a poker professional, poker entrepreneur, and advocate of the PPA, had this response to the House vote: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/434564p-366121c.html
Presidents, Generals, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters have played poker in this country for years. Supreme Court Justice Scalia participates in a regular game himself. Yet we're seeing increasing pressure from the Department of Justice and other branches of government that want to criminalize this great passtime. This, in spite of the fact that poker is behind only Nascar and the NFL in TV viewership, and the fact that in a recent poll (apologies for not having the source handy) as much as 78% of the US population are IN FAVOR of the availability and legality of poker as a game of skill in this country.
As the article referenced above comments, we would be better served regulating it rather than trying to go the prohibition route. The federal and state coffers would benefit from the taxes generated, and the players would benefit from knowing their getting a fair deal in the games. So if an overwhelming majority of the public wants this, why is their elected government not abiding by the people's wishes?
If you have any interest or passion for this subject at all, I'd urge you to contact your legislators and let them know how you feel about it, whether you're in favor of regulation or prohibition of the game.
As some of you know, I'm a big advocate for poker in general, and online poker in particular. There are a number of issues affecting our ability to enjoy this game of skill, not the least of which is some misguided (in my opinion, of course) attempts by some lawmakers to selectively criminalize certain forms of wagering, while protecting other forms when they receive campaign contributions from the right people.
If you have any interest in the subject, I'd highly recommend checking out http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org and joining, if you so choose. I believe membership is now free.
A interesting editorial on the subject from a Slate writer:
http://www.slate.com/id/2146538/?nav=navoa
The House of Representatives recently voted to pass a ban on online gambling operations. The bill is effectively an update to the language of the Wire Act to include activities not expressly in the language of the old law (in other words, making new things illegal that weren't before). However, the bill exempts the use of the internet for horse racing bets, interstate lotteries, and fantasy sports. The bill's author has received campaign donations in the past from the National Horse Racing Association. To see how your representatives voted on this issue (H.R. 4411), check them out here: http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_keyvote_member.php?vote_id=3864
The sound on this is off, but it's a Jon Stewart rip on the House of Reps for passing the bill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtqhhy4sx-U
Howard Lederer, a poker professional, poker entrepreneur, and advocate of the PPA, had this response to the House vote: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/434564p-366121c.html
Presidents, Generals, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters have played poker in this country for years. Supreme Court Justice Scalia participates in a regular game himself. Yet we're seeing increasing pressure from the Department of Justice and other branches of government that want to criminalize this great passtime. This, in spite of the fact that poker is behind only Nascar and the NFL in TV viewership, and the fact that in a recent poll (apologies for not having the source handy) as much as 78% of the US population are IN FAVOR of the availability and legality of poker as a game of skill in this country.
As the article referenced above comments, we would be better served regulating it rather than trying to go the prohibition route. The federal and state coffers would benefit from the taxes generated, and the players would benefit from knowing their getting a fair deal in the games. So if an overwhelming majority of the public wants this, why is their elected government not abiding by the people's wishes?
If you have any interest or passion for this subject at all, I'd urge you to contact your legislators and let them know how you feel about it, whether you're in favor of regulation or prohibition of the game.