Washington D.C. (May 3, 2006) – The Poker Players Alliance, a grassroots organization of more than 25,000 American poker players, expressed opposition to Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s legislation, H.R. 4777, Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. Coinciding with today’s House Judiciary Subcommittee mark-up on the legislation, Michael Bolcerek, the president of the Poker Players Alliance, issued the following statement:

“The Poker Players Alliance opposes any effort to limit the rights of poker players to enjoy the game as they do today whether online, at a poker club or in the privacy of their own homes,” said Michael Bolcerek, president of the Poker Players Alliance.  

“If enacted, the Goodlatte plan would dig far too deep into the pocketbook’s of Americans.  Deputizing banks to serve as the morality police for the government would mandate financial institutions with unprecedented and unfunded obligations.  Most Americans choose to deposit their money in a bank with the understanding that their resources will be safe, not with the understanding that the bank will scrutinize and monitor every withdrawal, transfer, and individual check.”  

“In fact, a recent survey of adults showed that nearly 75 percent, or three-fourths of the public, opposed efforts by Congress to ban Internet poker in this manner.”

“Moreover, the Goodlatte bill unfairly prohibits online poker, while it gives special protections to other activities such as intrastate gambling, on-line lotteries, betting on horse racing and certain fantasy sports.  It is disingenuous to oppose Internet gambling and then write a bill that makes select forms of online gambling legal.”

“The Poker Players Alliance urges members of the full Committee to oppose this misguided and inequitable legislation. If they support the bill they will be doing so without regard to the opinions of their constituents or the principles of civil liberty.”

Author Contact Info: Poker Players Alliance