Weekly Action: New Evidence on UltimateBet Superuser Scandal, Potential New Federal Legislation, and More! (05/15/2013)

May 15th, 2013

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Weekly Update from Rich Muny, VP of Player Relations

Back in 2008, an infamous scandal — the UltimateBet superuser cheating scandal — rocked the poker world. This cheating was uncovered by several diligent Two Plus Two forum posters who observed, documented, and applied statistical analysis to an extensive hand history database. PPA released a statement at that time by our chairman, former Senator Al D’Amato, condemning the scandal (read here).

This weekend, new evidence on the depth of the cheating came to light with the release of two lengthy sound files and a number of screenshots. With this new evidence, PPA again calls for a full investigation by U.S. law enforcement officials into these disgraceful acts and for all perpetrators to be punished both criminally and civilly to the fullest extent of the law. PPA is working with our attorneys to bring full attention of this new evidence to appropriate law enforcement officials.

I am pleased that this new evidence has been made public and call for all remaining undisclosed information to be released immediately. It is by the purifying light of the truth that our game will continue to enjoy a high degree of trust and integrity.

Scott “ElevenGrover” Bell, an expert on this issue, wrote a nice piece detailing the new evidence for our friends at DiamondFlushPoker.com. I encourage you to read his piece here.

Federal Legislation to License Online Poker Imminent

PPA has learned from Capitol Hill sources that federal legislation to address licensing of Internet poker and Internet casino gaming will be introduced soon — perhaps even before the Congressional Memorial Day recess!

While details of the legislation are still being negotiated, we expect the bill to look similar to legislative efforts put forth by former U.S. Congressman Barney Frank. As in the past, this poker bill will likely be introduced with bipartisan support.

Over the past several months, the fight for online poker has shifted towards the states and we have earned a few victories in those battles. New federal legislation is a result of state activity and a growing concern among Washington lawmakers that a state-by-state approach will leave consumers with a patchwork of laws, rules, and regulations. Undoubtedly, federal lawmakers are also eyeing the ability to raise revenue from online poker. PPA remains fully committed to pushing for legislation on every front: state, federal, and elsewhere. We welcome federal action and look forward to advocating for this in conjunction with current efforts in several states where legislation is pending or being considered. It is my hope that prospects of federal legislation will push state action, while imminent state action will propel the federal bill, resulting in a race to the top.

I will share the information we gather as we learn the details of the final bill.

Poker Daily Action Plan

It is very important that we as individual players 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? Simply “like” the Facebook page and take actions for our game. It takes just a few minutes each day. Thanks!



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
Recent appearances:
  • Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny on OnTilt Radio (5/13): I was joined by poker journalists Diamond Flush, Shari Geller, and Gary Wise for a great discussion on the UltimateBet superuser cheating scandal, Ultimate Poker’s use of Iovation, remission of Full Tilt Poker funds to U.S. players, and other poker issues. Listen and/or download the podcast here and on iTunes here.
  • Fifth Street Radio (5/12): I sat down with host Mark Hoke to discuss the new UltimateBet superuser cheating scandal news and to share all that PPA is doing. I come on at time point 0:47:40 of part 1. Listen here.
Upcoming Appearances:
  • The Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny webcast on OnTilt Radio airs live each Monday at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. 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.
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

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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.

Texas Poker Players Hope New Bill is a Full House – The Daily Campus (05/08/2013)

Travis Makar Releases Damaging Ultimate Bet Recordings – Legal Poker Sites (05/11/2013)

What’s Behind the UltimateBet tapes? – Diamond Flush Poker (05/13/2013)

Ultimate Poker Dumps iovation in Response to Widespread Player Complaints – QuadJacks (05/13/2013)

Should Washington Allow Internet Gambling? – Wall Street Journal (05/13/2013)

Ultimate Poker, unlicensed service provider relationship probed – Las Vegas Review-Journal (05/13/2013)

PokerStars’ Past Shouldn’t Preclude Them from Obtaining a Gambling License – OSGA (05/14/2013)

Atlantic Club seeks to counter court move by potential buyer PokerStars – The Record (05/14/2013)



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The Poker Players Alliance
Dedicated to Protecting America’s Favorite Card Game

The Poker Players Alliance is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and to protect poker players’ rights. Visit us at theppa.org 

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