PokerWorks

On March 24, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) launched the Litigation Support Network. The service will be free to all members of the PPA and provide basic, initial legal advice for poker-related issues. It will also refer members to a network of attorneys who have signed up to be a part of the network.

Poker players in many different areas of the United States may face poker-related problems in conjunction with police raids on home, bar, or charity poker tournaments. Since laws vary from state to state and county to county, questions arise often. In addition, if poker enthusiasts are interested in organizing any such tournaments or games, they should probably consult an attorney to ensure that they will be complying with the laws.

The Litigation Support Network is a free, legal resource for all PPA members through which those with concerns or questions can obtain free, preliminary legal advice over the phone. Upon any need of addition legal support, they will be given a list of attorneys in their area who are in the network and willing to provide further advice or services.

In addition to the new page on the PPA website that provides a legal library with legal-related articles and precedents, there are three ways to contact members of the network with legal questions. An e-mail address is provided, along with a forum on which inquiries can be stated requesting a response. And a phone number is provided for the Legal Support Voicemail box.

PPA Chairman Alfonse D’Amato said, “As both the popularity of poker and the membership of PPA continue to grow, the Litigation Support Network is an opportunity to provide even more value to our members. With the myriad of local, state and federal laws impacting poker, the Litigation Support Network is an important service that our members can and should use, and I encourage attorneys who want to defend poker players and this great American game of skill to join this effort.”

The Litigation Support Network will be headed up by Patrick Fleming, an attorney who is also the PPA state director for the state of New Hampshire. He noted, “The patchwork of state and local laws relating to poker is leaving PPA members confused about what is legal and what is illegal. In our ongoing efforts to protect the rights of Americans to play poker, the establishment of the Litigation Support Network will provide members with an added level of security as they enjoy the games in their homes, at their local pub or as a way to help a local charity. I am honored to be leading this important effort on behalf of the PPA.”

The PPA is a non-profit membership organization with nearly one million members, consisting of poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States. The mission of the PPA is to speak with one voice for its members in an effort to promote the game and protect players’ rights. For more information, visit www.PokerPlayersAlliance.org.