FairPlayUSA New US Internet Gambling Advisory Board
Wednesday July 27,2011 : Initial funding for launch provided by MGM and Caesars
A new Washington DC-based advisory board FairPlayUSA has announced the formation of their coalition with a view to educating the public and policymakers on the need to reform federal Internet gambling laws in three key areas: strong law enforcement and strict regulation, consumer and child online protection, and the rights of adults to play online poker.
FairPlayUSA's board includes: Parry Aftab – an American lawyer specializing in Internet privacy and security law, Tom Ridge – Former Secretary of Homeland Security and Governor of Pennsylvania and professional poker player Greg Raymer, who is also a board member of the Poker Players' Alliance (PPA). The coalition's efforts will be driven by Executive Director Marisa McNee.
The coalition's representative advised via the respected 2+2 forum that its initial funding for the launch of FairPlayUSA was provided by Caesars and MGM and that its mission is broader than the Poker Players’ Alliance’s objectives with a new approach that will include poker players, coalition law enforcement officials, internet consumer protection and safety advocates, and others concerned with the risks of illegal internet gambling.
FairPlayUSA has kicked off with a petition appearing on its website, FairPlayUSA.com, calling on Congress to address the problems associated with offshore Internet gambling, give law enforcement the tools to crack down on illegal sites, and establish a strict regulatory framework for online poker to ensure its integrity and safety.
Marisa McNee, Executive Director of FairPlayUSA comments: "The website and online petition will be the focal point for recruiting and organizing supporters who will actively engage and make their voices heard by members of Congress. Outreach will be directed toward law enforcement officials, those who support Internet consumer safety, and online poker's strongest asset – the millions of Americans who enjoy online poker."
