The PPA Confident in the Future of Online Poker

With all of the Poker Players Alliance’s optimism for the future of online poker rooms, I have to say that I’ve gotten a little sense of assurance that they’re right. I don’t know if I feel QUITE as confident as some that the U.S. government will embrace the idea of internet poker, but we’re probably closer than ever with the upcoming administration, and the Poker Player-in-Chief.
That being said, I thought I would discuss some of the “talking points” stressed by the Alliance – their reasons for advocating a regulated online poker industry.
The first is essentially that technology has advanced to the point where internet gambling operators can efficiently ensure that problem gambling in minors will not be an issue, and if the government provides proper regulation, this a moot point altogether.
The second is something that I myself have always stressed - that online gambling revenues can provide the U.S. with billions in tax dollars – money that is currently forfeited to overseas gaming.
Another valid argument presented by the PPA is that the prohibitions “enforced” by the UIGEA, are completely ineffective. Online poker players in the U.S. still exist, in higher numbers than there were before the bill was passed. According to the PPA, “The UIGEA effectively bans online poker in the U.S. and drives those players underground.”
The PPA has also pointed out the hypocrisy of the government as one of its major arguments against the UIGEA – that online horse racing wagers and state lotteries are perfectly acceptable, while a skill game like poker remains unlawful, even when two consenting adults participate.
The talking points are concluded as follows:
“Please co-sponsor and support HR 2046 “Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act” and HR 2610 “Skill Game Protection Act”. Supporting an online poker ban can cost you an election. Exit polling has shown and the national media has noted that a leading advocate to ban Internet poker in the 109th Congress was negatively impacted by his leadership on the issue.”