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Weekly Update from Rich Muny, VP of Player Relations
The first week of licensed online poker in the U.S. has the poker community energized in the push for online poker across our great nation! Many states are now looking into this. This is no longer seen as a theoretical discussion to lawmakers as, now that it is here, it is tangible and “real”. Additionally, many states are desperate for revenue and know that they risk being lost in the shuffle if they do not act fast.
In this environment, it is very important that we as individual players and enthusiasts do our part to tell lawmakers that we demand fair treatment for poker in all its forms – online, card rooms, social games, charity games, etc. Will you make your voice heard by joining your fellow players and enthusiasts in participating in the Poker Daily Action Plan?
Poker Daily Action Plan
I created the Poker Daily Action Plan in 2007, in response to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This predates my PPA membership and was initially a humble David vs. Goliath effort. It has been gratifying to see the entire poker advocacy fight grow so strong since that egregious attack on our liberties.
You can participate in the action plan on the Two Plus Two forums (here), the PocketFives forums (here), and various other poker sites (here, sites are listed at item #3). Additionally, I recently started a Facebook site focused exclusively on the action plan, at facebook.com/PokerDailyActionPlan. Will you “like” the page and take actions for our game each day? It takes just a few minutes a day.
Thank you in advance for helping the poker community win this fight!
Oregon Lawmaker Seeks to Ban Poker Rooms
Last week, I shared with you news that Oregon Rep. Julie Parrish, R-West Linn, introduced Oregon House Bill 3518, a bill to shut down lawful social poker rooms and allow poker only at events held by charitable, fraternal and religious organizations or at the nine tribal casinos in Oregon.
PPA has been working with the card room owners and their state lobbyist in a coordinated effort to stop this misguided bill from becoming law. We understand that there is a good possibility that the Oregon State House Rules Committee will hold a hearing on HB3518 in the near future, so I ask Oregon poker players and enthusiasts to keep an eye on their inboxes for action alerts.
Many poker supporters reached out to Rep. Parrish via Facebook to ask her to reconsider her stance. She initially banned everyone who dared question her stance on poker from her Facebook wall. Then, feeling the heat, she finally relented and posted an odd explanation, where she essentially said it needs to be outlawed because, in her opinion, it’s already illegal (read here…it’s a comment toward the bottom).
Needless to say, that defies logic. If they are illegal, they would be shut down under the laws she claims make them unlawful. Her explanation also fails to answer the question. That is the answer to, “are poker rooms currently unlawful, in your opinion?”, not, “why do you feel poker rooms should be banned?”. Let’s all take a moment to tell her they ought not be banned!
Take Action
Let’s all tell Oregon state Rep. Julie Parrish to stop her anti-poker crusade, explaining that it is an honorable game that we are proud to play:
- Post a pro-poker comment on her Facebook wall: HERE
- Send her a prefilled, editable tweet: HERE (yes, her Twitter handle really is @hotcouponmama)
North Carolina Charitable Poker Bill Passes Committee Vote
North Carolina PPA State Director Evan Grizzard has informed the national office that State Representatives Jamie Boles, Tim Moffitt and Tom Murry introduced legislation that would allow nonprofit organizations to hold “casino night” fundraisers up to four times a year to help them raise money to support their charitable activities. I am pleased to share the news that this bill, HB 809, was approved by the North Carolina House Commerce Committee by a 27-18 bipartisan vote and is now headed to the House Judiciary Committee!
This is a huge step forward in allowing us to play games of skill like poker in the Tar Heel state!
Vermont Charitable Poker Legislation Effort
Vermont PPA State Director David Sawyer has been working with state lawmakers on introducing pro-charitable gaming legislation there. David has been meeting with local and state elected officials over the past few months and has been building a coalition of opinion leaders to aid its prospects when it is introduced.
Join PPA
A 2013 PPA member is the smartest bet for the future of our game. Join today for only $15 to receive the great benefits of membership and to help us continue the fight for our rights as poker players!
Interviews
Upcoming Appearances:
- The Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny webcast on OnTilt Radio airs live each Monday at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Next week’s show will feature Johnny Hughes! Listen live here.
- Webcast: “PPA Weekly Update” airs live each Sunday at 6:45 pm ET/3:45 pm PT on Fifth Street Radio. Listen live here.
Recent appearances:
- Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny on OnTilt Radio (5/6): I was joined by poker historian, player, and author Johnny Hughes. Listen and/or download the podcast here and on iTunes here.
- Fifth Street Radio (5/5): I sat down with host Mark Hoke to share all that PPA is doing. I come on at time point 0:42:55 of part 1. Listen here.
Interview Archives:
- Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny: show archive, free iTunes download
- Fifth Street Radio PPA Weekly Update: site archive, free iTunes download
Social Media
For the most up-to-date news, follow us at:
Thank you for your continued support!
The PPA wishes to keep active members like yourself updated on the latest poker advocacy news by periodically sending out select events and headlines. We hope you find it informative and thank you for your continuing support.
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