Poker Players Alliance ForumsPoker Is Not A Crime: Discuss The Fight

Poker Players Alliance Forums » State - MD

1. royal_clown
   Member

   Hmmm. I just joined and I am very disappointed to see that Maryland is almost entirely inactive. I recently wrote to several of our officials from Maryland. The replies, as usual, were polite, but do not really address the issues properly. As was pointed out in a different thread, overall, the Dems did not actively promote the anti gambling legislation, but they clearly did nothing to stop it. Does anyone still read this forum? Is there anyone else writing to our officials urging them to support online poker? The complacent do nothing attitude of the Dems doesn't help us get rid of that nasty UIGA Republican legislation.

   Specifically for Maryland, I have noticed that some sites name Maryland as a State where online gambling is illegal, but some other states do not have that distinction. Are there specific laws within Maryland that make the online gambling situation more restrictive than in other states?

   Posted 8 months ago #

2. john088
   Member

   Hi clown......Online gambling is NOT illegal in Maryland. I'm curious as to which sites are stating this.

   I am very frustrated with this whole issue. With the economy in the toilet like it is, and a new President coming into office there is very little chance of any changes coming anytime soon. The only hope we have is that the government decides they can implement some type of 'tax' on our winnings, and living close to DC you know how slow the congress moves.

   Unfortunately, every lawmaker is now busy trying to figure out how to distribute the $770 Billion dollars to the financial institutions of this great country. Once they finish that task, they will then try to implement some method of regulation.

   I'm afraid that no member of Congress will have the 'balls' to stop this madness, and push legislation allowing us to easily fund our poker accounts. It's a shame, but true.

   Posted 7 months ago #

3. royal_clown
   Member

   Hi John,

   There were a few of them, but I don't recall all the names. Fleet Street Games, which is going out of business, was one of them. There is also a site named squidoo that I know nothing about that says Marylanders are not allowed.

   Concerning the larger issues, I've written to Senators and Representatives on both the State and National levels. Often I get no response or else form letters like these from Senator Mikulski. From the little she says, she seems to view internet gambling as being illegal in the entire USA.

   I believe that you are correct in thinking that this issue will not be correctly handled until a much alter date.

   Clown

   recently:

   Dear Mrs. _________:

   Thank you for getting in touch with me about internet gambling. It's good hear from you.

   I appreciate hearing your views on this issue. As you may know, legislation to improve security at our ports included a provision that made most online gambling illegal. It also prevents banks and credit card companies from making payments to gambling websites. President Bush signed the Port Security Improvement Act (Public Law 109-347) on October 13, 2006.

   I will always do my best to balance the need for individual freedom and policies that build strong communities. Your views will be helpful to me should the Senate consider this issue again.

   Thanks again for getting in touch with me. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.

   Sincerely,
   Barbara A. Mikulski
   United States Senator

   and in early 2007, almost the same response:

   Dear Mrs. ____________:

   Thank you for getting in touch with me about internet gambling. It's good hear from you.

   I appreciate hearing your views on this issue. As you may know, President Bush signed Public Law 109-347 on October 13, 2006. This law makes most online gambling illegal. It also prevents banks and credit card companies from making payments to gambling websites.

   Thanks again for getting in touch with me. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.

   Sincerely,
   Barbara A. Mikulski
   United States Senator

   Posted 7 months ago #

4. john088
   Member

   I understand your frustration Clown. I got the same responses from them. I believe I also have the answer to your comment about poker being illegal in Maryland.

   Online poker is not illegal in the state, but I believe there are some sites which we are not able to receive any type of monetary prize. I could be wrong, but I believe it is the sites where you pay a flat monthly fee (membership fee) and then play for prizes (including cash). I believe it is illegal (or has been interpeted to be by attorneys) due to the sweepstakes laws in our state. I know there are sites of this type where we cannot receive any prizes, but we can still play 'free'.

   Let me tell you that I am not an attorney, nor do I strive to be. I am just a overworked, underpaid policeman who likes to play poker. So I cannot tell you with all certainty that this my explanation is totally correct.

   Posted 7 months ago #

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