The Poker Players Alliance, Capitol Hill “fly in’ saw 100 poker player from the professional high profile names to the average Joe just wanting to play the game, converge on Washington this week to lobby congressman to consider new legislation concerning internet poker.
John Pappas, executive director of the PPA, said “I think we had a very successful event and were able to elevate the issue in the minds of lawmakers and also elevate the fact that there is a growing and vocal constituency of poker player out there who’d like to be able to play.”
Some of the major items pointed out this week were that, according to estimations from the PPA, online poker could represent annually around $3b in tax revenues for the U.S. government. Its members also tries to highlight the fact that it seemed irregular for Congress to ban internet poker but all the while allowing online wagering on horse racing and state lotteries.
Vanessa Rousso talked about how internet gambling was important but especially to women stating:
“Being a woman, playing on the internet was a great way for me to become comfortable playing the game before having to sit down with a bunch of older guys in the intimidating atmosphere of a real casino. I play about 10 hours a week online and as a professional player, it allows me to constantly hone my game and improve.”
These poker players found some very receptive to their message.
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.), “It’s a national pastime and the idea that we would prohibit adults from playing poker on the venue of the 21st century is illogical.”
“It’s outrageous telling the American people what they can and cannot do in the privacy of their own homes on their own computers,” Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) added.
Wexler, along with Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) have both introduced a bill that would seek regulation on the online gambling industry and allow state and federal governments to not only tax gambling transactions but also put in safeguards to prevent minors and those from states with laws already preventing internet gambling from playing. Both bills are in committee’s awaiting consideration.
John Pappas said he would like to see a change by the end of this congressional session. He stated, “We think we have a pretty strong hand, and we’re going to continue to play it until the end.”
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