Posts Tagged ‘poker players alliance’

PPA Wins Passage of Historic Poker Legislation

Friday, August 20th, 2010

PPA Wins Passage of Historic Poker Legislation

July 28, 2010 was a historic day for all poker players around the county when the House Financial Service Committee passed H.R. 2267, the Internet Gambling Regulations, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act by an overwhelming and bipartisan 41-22 vote. Passage of this bill was only possible with the support of dedicated poker enthusiasts like you who took the time to contact your U.S. Representative and make your voice heard. As a result, Congress demonstrated that they listened to your concerns and agreed that sensible regulation of Internet gaming is preferable federal policy over failed prohibitions such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

The next step for H.R. 2267 is a vote on companion legislation, H.R. 2268, in the House Ways and Means Committee. Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank has made it clear that both H.R. 2267 and 2268 must be brought before the entire House of Representatives together. So be on the lookout for emails from PPA on when that vote will take place and how you can help.

PPA State Director Spotlight

NH PPA State Director Patrick Fleming

Patrick Fleming of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been a life-long advocate for poker and has been the PPA New Hampshire State Director since 2007. Patrick does double duty on behalf of the poker community as both a state director and the head of the PPA’s Litigation Support Network, where he has earned a reputation for offering informative and useful advice to clients throughout the country. Patrick has practiced law in Portsmouth for over 25 years and is an active member in his community. Patrick can be reached at: NH@pokerplayersalliance.org.

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PPA Praises Passage of H.R. 2267, Internet Gambling Regulation Bill

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

PPA Praises Passage of H.R. 2267, Internet Gambling Regulation Bill

Washington, DC (July 28, 2010) – The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today applauded passage of H.R. 2267, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, by the House Financial Services Committee. The bipartisan 41-22 vote demonstrates that sensible regulation of Internet gaming is gaining support in Congress while prohibition continues to fail.

“The fact is, online poker is not going away. Congress has a choice – it can license and regulate it to provide government oversight and consumer protections, or our lawmakers can stick their heads in the sand, ignore it, and leave consumers to play on non-U.S. regulated websites in all 50 states,” said Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, chairman of the PPA. “I’m glad the Financial Services Committee today overwhelmingly chose to act and protect Americans as well as preserve the fundamental freedoms of adults and the Internet.”

Sponsored by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA), H.R. 2267 establishes a robust licensing and regulatory regime for online gaming in the United States, providing much needed oversight on this growing industry in order to protect consumers, children and problem gamblers. By using the most modern technologies and regulatory authority, this bill goes further than the ineffective Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to keep children and problem gamblers off these sites, at the same time allowing for strong consumer protections for adult consumers who enjoy this recreational activity.
Additionally, licensing and regulation presents an avenue for companies to return to the U.S., providing the economy with much needed jobs and tax revenue. The bill was further strengthened by several bipartisan amendments that provide even greater consumer protections and strong enforcement against unlicensed operators, something that the current law (UIGEA) lacks completely.

“We commend the lawmakers who helped make H.R. 2267 stronger through a variety of consumer protection mandates. In particular, we thank Representatives John Campbell (R-CA), Mary Jo Kilroy (D-OH), and Melissa Bean (D-IL) for their thoughtful additions to the bill and their interest in preserving the rights of adult poker players in their districts,” said John Pappas, PPA executive director.

While the bill has passed out of Committee, there is still much work to be done and areas of policy in this bill that must still be addressed. To be clear, despite the concerns of some of our members, nothing in the Committee-passed legislation precludes lawful Internet poker-only operators whom U.S. players know and trust today from the opportunity to operate under a regulated system. The PPA will work with House and Senate lawmakers to ensure that the final legislation produces the best regulated online gaming environment for the consumer.

“This is a great day not only for poker players, but for proponents of Internet freedom and individual liberty,” said D’Amato. “We thank Chairman Frank for his leadership on this bill, and look forward to working with him to bring this bill through the legislative process.”

Key provisions of the bill include:

· Thorough vetting of potential licensees and creation of an OFAC-style list of illegal operators;

· Mandatory implementation of technologies to protect against underage gambling using the commercial and government databases used for online banking to verify age and identity

· Requirements for operators to set daily, weekly or monthly limits on deposits and losses
to monitor and detect individuals with excessive gaming habits;

· High standards to thwart fraud, abuse and cheating to ensure fair games for customers;

· Regulation to prevent money laundering; and,

· Processes to prevent tax avoidance.

For a complete listing of how each representative voted on HR 2267, click on the link below:

HR 2267 Financial Services Committe Vote (07/28/2010)

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PPA Victory for Poker in Massachusetts and State Law Updates

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

PPA Victory in Massachusetts

Thursday, April 15, 2010, The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved the PPA’s amendment to the state’s gaming legislation which removed language criminalizing playing online poker and other gaming over the Internet.

The PPA would like to thank the thousands of Bay Staters, as well as State Representative Brian Dempsey, who introduced the amendment striking the criminalization language, and State Representative Brian Wallace, who has offered H 4069, a bill to define poker as a game of skill, for their support and commitment to protecting poker player’s freedoms throughout the Commonwealth.

PPA has over 25,000 members in Massachusetts, and has been working closely with Massachusetts lawmakers since 2008 to preserve Massachusetts’ citizens’ rights to play poker, whether online or in person.

State Updates

South Carolina

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, H.4267, a bill that would legalize home poker games and also expand charity gaming (including charity poker tournaments), made it over a crucial first hurdle when it won bipartisan support by passing 4 to 1 out of the South Carolina House Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee. However, one day later, this historic bill was tabled pending clarification of the charity component. The PPA expects the issue to be resolved and we are working to get a bill heard by the full South Carolina House in the very near future.

South Carolina law, dating back over 200 years, makes it a crime to play games that use cards or dice, like poker, bridge, Bunko, backgammon, or Monopoly, in the privacy of one’s own home.

Florida

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010, the PPA learned that HB 1441, Internet Poker Consumer Protection & Revenue Generation Act of 2010, a bill to create a state-authorized monopoly for operating an intra-state Internet poker network, died in Florida House Insurance Committee without a vote.

The PPA does not oppose State-based licensing and regulation of Internet poker. We strongly believe that a regulated marketplace will provide a better experience for the Internet player. We’re concerned, however, when states propose misguided legislation like HB1441 that cut Internet players off from the rest of the world, set up state supported monopolies and limit player’s choice in the marketplace.

The Florida Legislature adjourns on April 30, 2010, and the PPA will be updating members there on legislation that would impact our ability to play poker online.

Pennsylvania

In March 2010, the PPA was disappointed to learn that, in 2 to 1 divided decision, the Pennsylvania Superior Court overturned a 2008 country judge’s ruling that declared poker a game of skill. The PPA has been involved in the case and will update Pennsylvanian members should this case be challenged by the defendants. To read the PPA Petition for Allowance to Appeal please click here.

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Rednecks in Kentucky Trying to Seize 141 Internet Gambling Domain Names

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

The Kentucky Supreme Court issued a non-ruling on the 141 Internet gambling-related damin names the state attempted to seize. The Supreme Court officially reversed the Court of Appeals ruling in favor of the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association and Interactive Gaming Council, but only temporarily.

The court ruled that iMEGA and IGC did not demonstrate standing to litigate on behalf of anonymous domain registrants. An individual who owns one of the companies that is a member of one of the associations must step forward and admit ownership to one of the domain names. iMEGA and IGC have 20 days to refile with the Kentucky Court of Appeals and present an affadavit from an individual stating that he is a member of one of the associations and that the association has the right to represent him.

The ruling in this specific case, where there is a finite number of 141 injured parties, iMEGA is not representing the industry as a whole but these specific injured parties. So one of the individuals has to admit ownership of a company associated with iMEGA.

iMEGA chairman Joe Brennan Jr. offered this statement. “Our thing has been since we sued the federal government not once but three times, it’s no small thing to do something like that,” Brennan said. “From the beginning, the reason we kept company names confidential is we didn’t want to make anyone a target for some retaliatory investigation. We didn’t want to put anyone in the position to be on the defense because of that. Up until now, that kind of representation has been OK with the federal courts.”

Want to stop the rednecks in Kentucky from telling you that you can not play on PokerStars or Full Tilt Poker? Join the Poker Players Alliance today, and write to your local representative.

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Poker Players Raise Money for Haiti Aid and State Online Gambling Updates

Monday, March 1st, 2010

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

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.

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Posted in Charity Poker Tournaments, Online Poker, Poker, poker professionals | No Comments »

ITPF Classic – Charity Poker Tournament to award seat to 2010 World Series of Poker

Monday, February 15th, 2010

ITPF Classic Charity Poker Tournament

DATE:
Saturday, February 20, 2010

TIME:
10AM sign-in/11AM play starts

FEE:
$200 before 2/20 – $250 day-of

LOCATION:
T&J Villaggio Restaurant
225 Westchester Avenue Port Chester, NY

1st PRIZE:
World Series of Poker Seat!

REGISTER HERE

Additional Info

Re-buys and Add-ons until 2PM

Re-buys $120 you get $6000 in chips

Scratch-off Re-buy $150 Guaranteed $7000 but 70% chance of getting $8000 or $9000 in chips

Scratch-off Re-buy $200 Guaranteed $11, 000 but 70% chance of getting $13,000 or $15,000 in chips

Add-on $175 you will get $10,000 in chips

At the registration table you can double your chip stack for $50

Satellites will be scheduled as the event nears

The 1st Annual ITPF Classic is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2010 at T&J Villaggio Trattoria, in Port Chester, NY. The ITP Foundation is calling on the community to get behind this event to benefit children with ITP, a rare bleeding disorder.

The ITP Foundation is pleased to announce that first prize at the event will be a seat, valued at $10,000, at the World Series of Poker, where players have a chance to win millions!

The ITPF Classic, a Texas Hold’em style of play, will also feature a bar and complimentary lunch, provided by T&J Villaggio. There will be a charity raffle and live auction where participants will bid on a variety of luxury prizes. WKTU radio DJ Goumba Johnny will also be on hand. The event promises to be a fun and rewarding endeavor for all who attend.

The ITP Foundation has secured noted and respected poker tournament organizer Jason D’Aloia, whose previous tournaments for charity have raised over $100,000. There is a $200 donation to register to play, and $20 donation for spectators; Check-in begins at 10AM. The game begins at 11AM sharp. T&J’s restaurant is located at 225 Westchester Ave. in Port Chester, N.Y.

To register for the 1st Annual ITPF Classic, please visit www.itpfoundation.org and follow the links accordingly. Look for the ITPF Classic’s Facebook page to remain aware of the latest updates and discussions.

The ITPF Classic proudly supports the Poker Players Alliance.

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Online Poker Legal? Poker Lobbyists Push to Legalize Internet Gambling

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Partly backed by offshore gambling companies, poker lobbysists are aggressively pushing to legalize Internet gambling in the United States this year. Bankrolled with millions of dollars the campaign is hoping to make progress despite strong objections from social conservatives, sports leagues and other opponents.

Poker advocates have already convinced the Obama administration to delay enforcement of the 2006 law making Internet gambling illegal.

Poker and other online games have become hugely popular in the U.S. over the last several years and it is believed that the United States accounts for more than half of the $16 billion Internet gambling market. Proponents say that regulating Internet gambling would net the federal government millions of dollars in tax and licensing revenue if it were legalized. Using the six-month reprieve of the 2006 law, Rep. Barney Frank (Mass.) and other Democrats are pushing ahead with legislation that would legalize and regulate poker, mah-jongg and other online gambling games.

Proponents of online gambling are hoping that with Congress in the hands of Democrats, who have historically been less opposed to gambling than Republicans, and the growing popularity of recreational poker will work to their advantage.

A list of proponents include Frank and former Republican senator Alfonse M. D’Amato (N.Y.) D’Amato is the chairman of the Poker Players Alliance, which is spearheading the Capitol Hill push. The Poker Players Alliance has approximately 1.2 million members and is largely financed by by the Interactive Gaming Council, a Canada-based trade group for offshore gambling companies. The campaign has spent over $4 million lobbying Washington over the past year, and the alliance says its members have sent more than 300,000 letters and e-mails to members of Congress.

“I think there’s a growing realization in Washington that prohibition probably isn’t going to work, just like prohibitions throughout history have not worked,” said John Pappas, the poker group’s executive director. “There needs to be a more common-sense approach, because it’s not going away.”

The Justice Department considers all online gambling as illegal under a 1961 law that was aimed at bookies using telephone lines. The online gambling market is run largely by firms operating in Antigua, Malta and other foreign countries. The Justice Department has only prosecuted a few of the Internet wagering companies.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 was supposed to eliminate any ambiguity in the laws. The UIGEA bans U.S. banks from accepting payments from credit cards, checks or wire transfers to settle online wagers. The measure waas scheduled to take effect Dec. 1.

However, as the enactment deadline approached, gambling interests joined by banks and other financial institutions urged that it be delayed. They said the statute was vague and unenforceable. Thoroughbred horse racing organizations also opposed the law when some credit card companies refused to process online parimutuel wagers, which were supposed to be exempt from the law.

The Treasury Department and Federal Reserve granted a six-month delay in December, citing efforts by Frank and others to draft new legislation. The Obama administration is officially neutral on the issue.

Frank’s proposed bill is set for committee markup in coming weeks. It would establish federal oversight of online gambling firms in exchange for five-year licenses that would include protections aimed at keeping out underaged players, compulsive gamblers and criminal activity.

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