|
Weekly Update from Rich Muny, VP of Player Relations
I have interesting news to share this week. In a stunning display of hubris, during a conference call with lottery officials, Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz (sponsor of HR 707, the bill to shut down online poker and other online betting) responded to their concerns about HR 707 with, “after my bill gets passed, then you can come back and re-start if you want.”
Mark Hichar, a gaming attorney who participated on the call, said he found Chaffetz’s comments “surprisingly aggressive.” Hichar further stated that the bill would ban several current lottery offerings, including Internet lottery ticket sales and subscriptions, Internet real-time games like pull-tabs and, of course, online poker and online casino-style betting.
We also saw Las Vegas Sands VP of Government Relations Andy Abboud acting more like he is the VP of the Adelson branch of the federal government: “Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson is unlikely to accept exemptions for state lotteries and tribes in a bill to prohibit Internet gambling according to his top lobbyist Andy Abboud.”
Needless to say, PPA is poker-only. So, I am not espousing an opinion here. Rather, I am sharing news on potentially increasing opposition to HR 707 from state lotteries. These states do not think they need permission from the federal government to operate their lotteries via the Internet and do not seem to be taking kindly to Chaffetz’s efforts. This also helps highlight the fact that this bill is really a federal push to usurp the states in this area, which may alienate some pro-Tenth Amendment lawmakers.
Webcast: Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny
On this week’s Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny webcast, I was joined live by Nolan Dalla and poker journalist Steve Ruddock. In a little change of pace, we had a friendly debate on HR 707 / RAWA’s chances. Nolan wrote a piece suggesting it’s very likely to become law, while Steve wrote a piece saying it’s all but DOA. As we’re all on the same side, and as I need both of them firmly in my corner for the poker fight, it was no slugfest. Rather, it was a terrific, respectful discussion of the relative merits of each position.
- Directly downloadable MP3 file (right click to save, left click to listen)
- Free iTunes download
Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny airs live Mondays at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on OnTilt Radio. Each show features great guests and the best discussion on poker legislation. Please be sure to tune in every Monday evening at www.ontiltradio.com.
Social Media
For the most up-to-date news, follow us at:
Thank you for your continued support!
Proud to play,
Rich Muny
[email protected]
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.
|
