December 18th, 2013
By Poker Players Alliance
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Weekly Update from Rich Muny, VP of Player Relations
The aftershocks from last week’s House Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee hearing on online poker and online casino-style gaming continue. There has been a sharp increase in media coverage and overall interest in this issue, which is a terrific way to enter 2014.
If you have not yet done so, I encourage you to check out the PPA hearing page for the hearing video and detailed information.
Take Action
- Let’s share our thoughts regarding Sheldon Adelson’s Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling on their Facebook page: HERE
- Please be sure to participate in the Poker Daily Action Plan: HERE
U.S. v. DiCristina Update
Efforts also continue on the legal front. Recently, PPA reported that the defense in U.S. v. DiCristina had filed a request to have the case reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The DiCristina case was the ground breaking case where, after review of exhaustive evidence, a Federal District Court judge found poker to clearly be a game predominantly of skill and ruled that, as a game of skill, it was not covered by a specific federal gambling law (the Illegal Gambling Businesses Act – IGBA).
Sadly, however, this past summer the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal reversed part of the case and ruled that IGBA did apply to games of skill so long as they are also illegal under state law. The idea that poker games, especially small social poker games such as Mr. DiCristina’s, should be treated the same as illegal lotteries, numbers and craps games is just wrong, and something PPA has fought since its founding. Accordingly, PPA, along with other members of the poker community, have joined Mr. DiCristina in asking the SCOTUS to review the case.
You can find all the briefs supporting the appeal at the PPA website, including one from PPA, another from a group of professional and amateur players, and one from poker historian (and author of Cowboys Full) James McManus. All are good reading for a slow holiday night.
PPA at PCA
PokerStars has generously provided PPA with advocacy booth space at the 2014 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) poker tournament, to be held in the Bahamas at the world famous Atlantis Casino & Resort, January 5th through the 13th. Executive Director John Pappas and Membership/PAC Director Bryan Spadaro will be on hand to meet with players and recruit more support for our shared cause. PPA will also host an event for poker players at PCA and you are invited (details to come).
If you already plan to be at PCA, I encourage you to introduce yourself to John and Bryan. If playing in a world class poker tournament after a few hours on the beach sounds like a way you would like to start the New Year, then you should come to PCA. Click here to learn about the great “play and stay” offers and other promotions offered by PokerStars. For additional questions contact PCA directly at [email protected].
New Jersey Update
Golden Nugget Atlantic City has been given permission by New Jersey casino regulators to begin offering Internet poker (and Internet casino gaming). They will be the seventh of Atlantic City’s twelve casinos to offer Internet poker.
Happy Holidays from PPA!
We at PPA wish everyone Happy Holidays, a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year! PPA Weekly Update will resume the week of January 5th. Until then, as always, you can find all of us on all the poker forums and social networks.
Join PPA
Annual PPA Membership is the smartest bet for the future of our game. Join or renew today for only $15 to receive the great benefits of membership and to help us continue the fight for our rights as poker players!
Webcast: Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny
The Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny webcast airs live each Monday at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on OnTilt Radio. For this week’s show, I was joined by Marco Valerio, Diamond Flush & Pokerfuse.com‘s Mike Gentile for a great panel discussion on last week’s House hearing on online poker, New Jersey online poker, and poker advocacy.
If you missed the live webcast, I hope you will listen to or download the free podcast and check it out. It is available as a directly downloadable MP3 file (right-click to save, left click to listen) or as a free iTunes download.
Each show features great guests and the best discussion on poker legislation. Please be sure to tune in each Monday evening for the live webcast!
Social Media
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Thank you for your continued support!
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The Poker Players AllianceDedicated 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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