The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today praised the release of the White House Citizen’s Briefing Book, a compilation of voter-led policy proposals that includes as one of its top items the licensing and regulation of online poker.
“Poker players around the country are speaking with one voice to protect the game they love, and the White House is hearing that message,†said PPA Executive Director John Pappas. “The popularity of online poker continues to grow, and the fact that poker is the top technology issue – and the 11th issue overall – proves that this is not a niche issue, but a national public policy that this Congress and this president should advance this year.”
As part of President Obama’s transition, the White House asked citizens to submit a policy proposal that would be voted on through their website, www.change.gov. Those with the strongest support were included in a “briefing book” to the president, and the number one technology item was “Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker,” which received 46,890 points.
In addition to garnering the attention of the White House, House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced legislation last week, H.R 2267, to establish U.S. licensing and regulation of Internet poker, providing for greater protections to keep children and problem gamblers off these sites while allowing for strong consumer protections for adult consumers who enjoy this great American pastime.
“We hope the Administration hears and acts upon the clear message sent via the Citizen’s Briefing Book – keep online poker legal through thoughtful regulation. The poker community stands ready to work with President Obama and Congress to make sure the will of the people is acted upon,” Pappas continued.
The submission, which was crafted by online poker player Aaron Huertas of Washington, D.C., reads as follows:
Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker, 46890 points
Let online poker players in the United States play legally and without fear of prosecution. Reform the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to exempt poker, a game of skill, from the law. Boost the economy by letting American companies and American players make money and pay taxes instead of sending online poker businesses offshore. Protect online poker players by regulating the industry to ensure that no one is ever cheated.
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