WSOP & WPT Tournament Blog

PPA Applauds Poker Players’ Efforts to Aid Haiti

The PPA commends the generosity of poker players in contributing to support relief efforts in Haiti. As of January 25, 2010 more than 50,000 online poker players donated, and more than $750,000 has been raised. With the dollar for dollar match, the donations on behalf of the online poker community have exceeded $1.5 million.

“Like the rest of the world, the poker community is eager to do anything it can to aid Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake. I applaud PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Cake Poker for providing poker players across the globe an easy way to make a contribution,” said former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, chairman of the PPA.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010 leaving thousands dead and countless lives destroyed by its affect.

STATE UPDATES

Florida

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 – PPA Executive Director John Pappas testified in front of the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee on the possible “intra-state” licensing and regulation legislation being proposed in the state. Florida along with California are looking at ways to raise state tax revenue to offset state budgetary shortfalls. Should the proposed “intra-state” legislation pass it will restrict player pools to only Florida residents, fewer stakes/limits will be offered and ultimately mean less opportunity for you to play poker the way your accustomed to. Further, Florida is contemplating a single-source provider of online poker, i.e. one poker website. PPA is concerned that the lack of competition and consumer choice could also negatively impact the player experience.

Watch a short video of PPA Executive Director John Pappas testify:

John Pappas, Executive Director of the PPA, Testifies in Florida Senate Committee Hearing (02/16/10)

Delaware

Thursday, January 28, 2010, Gov. Markell signed legislation making table games legal in Delaware. By signing this legislation, Governor Markell has set in motion an implementation process that will provide expanded opportunities for poker players to play the game they love and will create over 700 good paying jobs.

The PPA welcomes this as a first step in advancing opportunities for poker players to play games of skill such as Texas Hold’em in a licensed and regulated atmosphere.

Pennsylvania

Early January Pennsylvania legalized Table games and is working to induct these games in to state based casinos as soon as possible. The State has announced that on Wednesday, February 24th there will be a public hearing to discuss the only petition submitted by one of the major supporters of the new law. The discussion will determine whether or not the sole submission has the ability to operate these new games.

For further information about this hearing please visit the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s website, click here.

Alaska

The PPA has been working in the state of Alaska to clarify the misguided notion that charitable poker tournaments are illegal gambling. Rich Markgraf our Alaska State Director has sent a letter on behalf of PPA members requesting the State’s taxation department to reconsider their ban on allowing charitable organizations from hosting free poker tournaments.

California

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, PPA Executive Director John Pappas testified in front of the California Senate Governmental Organization Committee in defense of our rights. Currently there is proposed “intra-state” legislation being pushed in California which would, should it pass, be limited to only other California residents. Ultimately, this means fewer players, fewer games, fewer stakes/limits and less opportunity for you to play poker how you want, when you want.

Watch the short video of PPA Executive Director John Pappas discussing “intra-state” licensing and regulation models what it means for poker players.

John Pappas, Executive Director of the PPA, Testifying at CA Senate Committee Information Hearing

PPA State Director Spotlight

CO PPA State Director Gary Reed

CO PPA State Director Gary Reed and Andy Bloch

Gary Reed of Denver Colorado has been a life time advocate for poker and has been the Colorado State Director since 2007. Gary retired after 31 years with the Denver Fire Department and was born and raised in Colorado. Under Gary’s leadership Colorado has three, volunteer committees working on poker issues in the state and he is busy organizing two partial committees to help represent the PPA statewide more efficiently. Gary is very passionate about the game of poker and attended this past National Poker Week in Washington DC where along with other State Directors he played a critical role in helping the PPA successfully lobby congress in our fight against the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA). Additionally, he was instrumental in organize the PPA poker tournament during the 2008 National Democrat Convention in Denver which was a huge success. Gary play’s poker at least three times a week (not counting online) and has played at three different WSOP circuit venue and has one WSOP circuit ring to his credit. For those PPA members in Colorado that would like to become more involved with the Colorado State Committee please contact Gary at: CO@pokerplayersalliance.org.