In the past, the Poker Players Alliance has focused online poker lobbying efforts on a federal level. However, for 2013, the group plans on focusing more on state regulation, according to John Pappas, the Executive Director of the PPA. Pappas sent out a letter to PPA members recently that discussed the progress made in the United States towards federal regulation, and noted that the group will now work in the state to state level since this may be a more realistic short term goal that can be reached. In the letter, Pappas stated:
“There is much to look back on with pride and strong reason to look forward to our future. With the latest federal effort behind us, it has become clear that last year’s dysfunctional Congress was a huge obstacle in our mission to secure safe and regulated Internet poker. Sadly, the prospects of the partisan Congress working together in 2013 does not look promising.
More and more, the fight for Internet poker is moving to the states. In the wake of the Justice Department decision that the Wire Act does not apply to online poker, states are sending strong signals that they intend to push for Internet poker legislation, including California, Massachusetts, Iowa, New York, and Illinois. It is likely that, as state legislatures reconvene in the coming weeks, several more will follow! Thusly, we will be largely focusing our efforts on passing player-friendly bills in the states where legislative action is brewing.”
In the letter, Pappas stated that the group will not shut down lobbying efforts on a federal level entirely as the PPA has their headquarters located in Washington DC. It will be interesting to see how the PPA handles lobbying efforts on a state to state level. Will states respond? This is an important question to consider, especially after several states have opened up to live gambling in 2012, after not offering certain options in the past or gambling at all. Hopefully all signs point to yes and the ball will begin rolling with individual states.
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