PPA: Make online poker in the US legal now
Online poker in American should be legalised in the wake of the shut down of PokerStars, Full Tilt and Absolute Poker, says Poker Players Alliance
| by Alligator Blood |  May, 6th 2011 |
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Above: Online Poker in the US should be made legal, says John Pappas
Online poker in the US should be made legal in the wake of the shutting down of Full Tilt, PokerStars and Absolute Poker, according to the Poker Players Alliance.
The lobby group claims the dramatic targeting of the three sites by the US Department of Justice last month proves the system is in total chaos.
John Pappas, head of the PPA, said: "We think there is a real opportunity here.
"The Justice Department action has been a real wake-up call.
“I think now more than ever, people realize that the status quo is not going to work. "We need legislative clarity so that there is a U.S. regulated marketplace for poker.”
The three sites were shut down and their owners charged with bank fraud on April 15 - dubbed 'Black Friday' by poker players.
The sites had continue to operate in the US in defiance of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) - which was passed by George W Bush in 2006 and forced most poker sites, including all European-based gaming groups, from America.
The Poker Players Alliance has become an increasingly strong voice on Capitol Hill in recent years as it seeks to overturn the unpopular UIGEA legislation, which was passed through Congress under the unrelated Safe Ports Act - a counter-terrorism bill.
Their motto: 'Poker is not a crime: Join the fight' has been a clarion call for Hold'em players across the US who feel marginalised by Washington's negative view of online gaming - which is both legal and successfully regulated in the UK and throughout Europe.
Indeed, many in the US see it as a fundamental fight for freedom.
Pappas added: " Our members want Congress, now more than ever, to establish common sense public policy that regulates online poker and gives adults the freedom to enjoy our nation’s favorite card game on the Internet.
"There is a raging debate in Congress about how to fund necessary programs, create U.S. jobs and also expand the freedoms of our citizens.
"Regulated Internet poker is a common-sense solution that can help Congress tackle all three of these priorities. There is no time to waste."
