A.G.A. USES IMMINENT POKER TOURNEY TO PUNT LEGALISATION

Sunday,  November 6, 2011 : On the eve of the 2011 WSOP final table kick-off, top land gambling official Fahrenkopf supports poker legalization in the US
 
Frank Fahrenkopf, chief executive of the powerful American Gaming Association, has used the start this weekend of the 2011 World Series of Poker final table action as a platform to again announce the Association's support for legalised online poker in the United States.
 
“The World Series of Poker Main Event final table kicks off in Las Vegas this weekend. As the popularity of one of America’s favorite pastimes continues to grow, it should come as no surprise that millions of Americans from all walks of life are expected to tune in to watch the action," Fahrenkopf's statement reads.
 
"Unfortunately, when these same Americans – plus many more—log on to play poker online, they face a Wild West atmosphere with little or no regulation and where law enforcement has limited ability to protect them. Congress must act to approve legalization allowing states to license and regulate online poker so Americans who play online poker can do so safely with responsible, law-abiding operators.
 
"Establishing federal guidelines to allow state-licensed and regulated online poker would also effectively keep minors from gambling online, prevent fraud and money laundering, address problem gambling and ensure players aren’t being cheated.  American consumers deserve to be protected.  Licensing and regulation of online poker in the U.S is the only way to do it."