The frustration is really starting to build. Senator Chris Romer of Denver wants to use Keno machines in bars to raise money for “higher education”. Meaning, I guess, gambling for colleges. He states in various newspaper articles that the Legislature has “explored every option” and this is the only way. Bunk and hogwash.
We, the Colorado Chapter of the PPA have attempted to sit down with him, or any other legislator and show them a plan that would:
A. Raise three times the money the “Keno option,” would raise.
B. Be far simpler to regulate and track.
C. Would not involve gambling.
D. Would be fair and equitable to those supplying the money.
They refuse to listen. They refuse to even look at our plan. Why? Because it involves poker. Because it requires them to actually look at poker in ways they never considered before. Because it allows us, the Colorado PPA, to prove to them and to the world that poker is, indeed, a game of skill and not subject to the built in loss percentage that is inherent and immutable in gambling. Chris Romer is a prime example of what is wrong with our current State Legislature. Out of touch, out of sync and out of ideas, out to lunch.
Poker Players Alliance Forums » State - CO
The Latest from the Statehouse
(7 posts)-
Posted 6 months ago #
-
Perhaps Senators from Colorado are more noble creatures than myself, but when someone tells me I am wrong I tend to hunker down and claim I did not make a mistake.
After reading your post, I have to wonder about Sen. Romer. If you got what you wanted, how would the esteemed Senator explain to the press that he was wrong? If he has announced he has explored every option, and if he has announced Keno is the only way, then assuming he suddenly gets the logic of what you are telling him, and he believes in your plan fully, then what? How does he explain to the world that his position was just simply wrong?
I do not see that the merits of your argument are what are in question, but rather how does the esteemed Senator deal with it in light of his past position? How do you make poker politically expedient for him?
You seem to state that you know your plan is attuned to their objections. Have you considered a plan that addresses their objectives?
Posted 6 months ago # -
We not only laid out a plan that would address their perceived needs, but one that would be far simpler to implement. We brought that to two Republican State Senators who expressed optimism at the idea, appreciation that we had done our homework and promised to bring it forward. It never left committee. Because the Democrats have a majority in the Colorado Legislature, the only plans that made it forward came from Democratic Senators. Partisanship at it’s finest. We attempted to enlist our friends in the US House from Colorado, Ed Pearlmutter, Betsy Markey (both Democrats) etc. but the Colorado Dem’s weren’t interested. Turns out that the proponent of the bill – Chris Romer- has received a sizable campaign contribution from the manufacturer of the Keno machines his proposal mentions. Not making any accusations, but the facts speak for themselves.
Posted 6 months ago # -
I hear your frustration.
It sounds like Sen. Romer is a key stakeholder in the process. You have to get buy-in from him. Maybe he thinks you are trying to supplant Keno with Poker? I have to wonder what his main goals are.
Maybe he would be happier to hear a proposal that enhances Keno, and how poker helps Keno to be implemented better.
Posted 6 months ago # -
Senator Romer isn't a "key stakeholder" in the process, he is the process. He won't talk to us. Yes, we are trying to supplant Keno with poker. That is our goal. Poker does not help Keno to be implemented, it's a live game, the Keno he proposes is simply machines. I am at a loss to understand your point. How in the world could poker enhance Keno machines? One is the antipathy of the other. There is no way the legislature would even consider implementing both. It's one or the other at this point. Since he won't hear our side, we are encouraging our contacts to vote against his proposal. Maybe if it fails, he will have to come to the table and talk about alternatives.
Posted 6 months ago # -
My point is that what I hear from you is that you seem to be rational and logical, as opposed to addressing the problem of Sen. Romer. I hear you saying you are opposing him, rather than helping him. That will not make him your friend.
I'm suggesting don't play *your* cards, play the player - Sen. Romer.
Posted 6 months ago # -
Well, we did play the player. Whether through our efforts or just as a lucky aside, Senator Romer's bill to use Keno went down in defeat. I and others in the Colorado PPA worked diligently to make that happen. Our message to Sen. Romer was simple. You don't have to listen to us, but you won't get any of your ideas through until you do. That's the way the game is played. Maybe next time he will sit down and talk rather than pontificate from on high. At least that's our hope.
Posted 6 months ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.