PokerWorks

Those who wandered the hallways of the Rio during the 2008 World Series of Poker knew that the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) was out in force, spreading the message about the importance of players’ involvement in politics. The PPA booth was regularly buzzing with poker enthusiasts who wanted to become members, contact their members of Congress, and participate in the process. Though the excitement surrounding the WSOP is over for now, the PPA is only intensifying its efforts to rally the poker community and make a difference.

The most important thing for the poker community to do is stay interested, informed, and involved. More than one million people have already joined the PPA, and the number continues to rise, which is necessary if poker players and fans want to garner the attention of politicians and make poker a safe, secure game for everyone.

The PPA recently provided a Congressional update as Congress went into recess. Prior to the break, the House Financial Services committee voted on a bill – H.R. 5767 – that would bring some clarification to the UIGEA by removing some of the ambiguity causing banks to have difficulties enforcing the law. The 32-32 vote deadlocked the issue and tabled it until more support for the bill can be garnered to bring it back in September for another vote. Four members of Congress who voted against the bill seem to have reconsidered their views of the UIGEA regulations, which is encouraging.

In addition to H.R. 5767, there are several other bills floating around Congress that need the support of more co-sponsors to push them forward and closer to amending the confusion and irresponsibility of the UIGEA. Members of Congress need to hear from their constituents now, so the PPA State Directors are organizing meetings with various Representatives during the August break. To participate on the state level, contact the appropriate State Director at www.PokerPlayersAlliance.org/Resources/State.

Information about all of the pending bills and various steps that PPA members can take to promote them to legislators is easy to find on the organization’s website. In addition, there are pre-written letters that can be e-mailed to Congress with the click of a mouse.

With the November presidential election only months away, it is also vital that members of the poker community register to vote. The campaign is called, “If you play, have a say,” and the PPA provides a simple voter registration form on the website that can be filled out, printed, and mailed. Then all it takes is a little time to examine the presidential candidates, as well as any local or state candidates in various communities and states, to determine who you think would best represent you and your freedom to play poker. Visit the PPA Voter Registration 2008 portion of the website for the step-by-step process.

The PPA is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of poker players and enthusiasts in the United States who wish to promote the game and protect the right to play the game. More information can be found at www.PokerPlayersAlliance.org.

The future of poker in the United States is in your hands.