Washington D.C.(July 11, 2006) –  A study released today shows that more than $3 billion in federal and state revenues could be raised if Internet poker was properly regulated and taxed in the United States.  A copy of the full report can be found at www.theppa.org.

The study, prepared by Judy Xanthopoulos an economist with Quantria Strategies, LLC, examines the existing Internet poker market and concludes that the U.S. government would collect a significant potential source of revenue if it were to incorporate this industry into the U.S. economy.

“This study validates that the benefits of regulating online poker in the U.S. far exceed the value of prohibiting the activity,” said Michael Bolcerek, president of the Poker Players Alliance.  “Internet poker is an incredibly popular pastime for millions of Americans.  Keeping Americans away from this game is not only unfair, but as this study shows, would be costly, denying state and federal coffers an important source of revenues.”

The Poker Players Alliance analysis, which only looks at the impact of regulation and taxation of Internet poker, supports the bi-partisan effort in Congress to create a federal commission to examine all online gaming and determine how best it can be regulated within this country.  This rational approach is an alternative to legislation being considered this week in the U.S. House of Representatives which would ban Americans from playing poker on the Internet.

“Our organization enthusiastically supports regulation and taxation, rather than an outright ban.  We remain hopeful that opponents of Internet poker will come to the realization that prohibitions don’t work and will embrace the idea of creating a regulated environment so that Americans can have an even higher level of comfort when playing poker online,” said Mr. Bolcerek.

    * Internet gambling is now regulated in over 80 countries and jurisdictions.
    * The United Kingdom passed legislation in 2005 to regulate and tax Internet gambling.

We should follow the lead of the UK for the best public policy approach for this industry.

Author Contact Info: Poker Players Alliance