As recently announced, I have taken on the position as Florida State Director for the Poker Players Alliance. Since Florida is one of the most populous states in the nation and is on the verge of becoming one of the biggest poker destinations as well, there is a vital need for an active PPA membership. Below are the political and legislative issues I see for poker in Florida, and the actions you can take to help.
Uncapped Poker at Florida Cardrooms This change was tied to the negotiations of a new gambling compact with the Seminole tribe, which has become stalled. However, it is likely that this change for poker, along with other changes in the laws for the pari-mutuels that were part of the same package, will be considered in a either a new separate bill in the next legislative session, or as part of package of gambling expansion at the pari-mutuels in a ballot initiative on next November’s election ballot.
Action Alert: There is no current action required. I expect the state legislature to proceed on this issue with a positive resolution sometime next year. However, watch for further notice in case we do need to lobby our legislators. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest news on this issue on my 2+2 Forum thread. Internet Poker State Licensing Program Last spring a study of online poker activities in Florida was authorized by the state legislature with the intent to develop such a state program. The study is due to be completed by December 1st of this year, and it is possible that new legislation on this issue will be introduced in the spring Florida legislative session.
This licensing legislation will ensure that Internet poker remains available to Florida players despite the upcoming full implementation of the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). However, the legislation can two possible tacks: either as an open-access program that allows both in-state cardrooms as well as offshore sites to become licensed for Internet poker in Florida; or as a protectionist intrastate program that only allows in-state cardrooms to offer licensed Internet poker to Florida players. The first option, obviously, is the preferred method for poker players, and would also provide the opportunity for the existing Florida cardrooms to compete in the international Internet poker market. It falls upon the Florida PPA members to safeguard our playing options under the terms of these new laws.
Action Alert: To prepare for the proactive stance we will likely need to make, I call upon you to help organize and expand the Florida PPA. You can volunteer now to help with some or all of these activities in Florida:
- Distribute PPA pamphlets to poker players at home games, poker rooms, bar leagues, etc.
- Meet with state lawmakers to discuss poker issues when necessary.
- Mobilize your network of players for letter writing campaigns, petitions, etc. when needed.
Federal Licensing Option The current bills being considered by the U.S. Congress to license and regulate Internet poker at the federal level include an option for each state to opt out of the program. This is a necessary provision on the federal level to preserve states rights. As players, we want to ensure that Florida does not opt out of a federal program.
Action Alert: It is not too early to let the Florida state legislators know that you do not want Florida to opt out. Send the PPA letters to your lawmakers, and ask your friends, co-workers and family to do the same: http://capwiz.com/pokerplayersalliance/home/ Charity Poker Tournaments Under current Florida law, poker tournaments held as a fund-raising activity for charitable organizations is unlawful, even when there are no cash prizes and the prizes are donated. This law was framed before the popularity and wide acceptance of poker tournament play and is rather outdated as there is no good reason to prohibit charity poker tournaments today.
Action Alert: This issue will be taken up sometime in the future. You can let me know now that you will be available for lobbying when the time comes. Home Game Limits Florida law allows poker to be played in home games as long as it is a “penny-ante” game, which is defined as a game “in which the winnings of any player in a single round, hand, or game do not exceed $10 in value.” This $10 cap is rather outdated and no doubt makes most home game players into criminals. This cap should be raised to at least $100 for a single hand, and a $50 limit per person for a home game tournament buy-in, which today are reasonable limits for a social home game setting.
Action Alert: This issue will be taken up sometime in the future. You can let me know now that you will be available for lobbying when the time comes. To organize and activate the Florida PPA membership, these are the volunteer positions and activities I am looking for now:
- Pari-mutuel/casino Cardroom Liaison Coordinator
- Parti-mutuel/casino Contact Volunteers (need one for each location)
- Bar League Liaison Coordinator
- Bar League Contact Volunteers (need one for each area)
- Legislator Contact Coordinator
- Legislator Contact Volunteers (need at least one for each Florida county)
- General Volunteers
Please e-mail me if you are willing to participate. The stronger our membership, the more political clout we can wield to influence our Florida lawmakers.
Aces Up,
Martin Shapiro
Florida State Director
Poker Players Alliance
Florida.PPA@gmail.com
On Thursday December 3, 2009, the House Financial Services Committee will be holding a very important hearing on H.R. 2267, Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act. If passed into law, H.R. 2267 will allow for licensed and regulated online games of skill such as poker in the United States. In short, it will protect your right to play the game you love online. 
