PPA COMMENTS ON POSSIBLE U.S. LEGALISATION OF INTERNET POKER

Posted on 12/7/10 by Pete Ivey : Cautions that Reid draft still has a long way to go
 
The Poker Players Alliance, an action body with over 2 million members that has long lobbied for the legalization of internet poker, issued a statement this week on Senator Harry Reid's new proposal to regulate and licence the popular pastime in the United States.
 
Executive director John Pappas cautioned that the proposal was an evolving process. "Draft bills that have been circulated are already outdated and the legalization continues to be refined," he noted.
 
"As always, the PPA is actively working with lawmakers to ensure any legalization that is introduced protects the freedom of Americans to play poker online and provides a safe, regulated U.S. market in which to play.
 
"While no bill will give players 100 percent of what we want and deserve, I do believe the legalization will be a victory for the poker playing community over the long-term.
 
"The status quo is not tenable and legalization is needed to clarify and correct current laws and provide a regulated U.S. marketplace for players. Failing a federal legislative solution, the future of Internet poker remains unpredictable.
 
"However, a regulated market that offers competition, consumer protections and clarity will undoubtedly provide the greatest benefit for the players and long-term stability to the Internet poker experience.
 
"With the support of millions of Americans, and a growing bipartisan contingent of lawmakers, we are optimistic that Congress can get this done before the end of the year. We urge lawmakers to take action now and not let this important opportunity be missed.