Group Says Legislation Provides a Better Alternative than Outright Ban

Washington D.C. (DATE, 2007) – The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), a grassroots organization of more than 400,000 poker-playing members, supports House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank’s introduction of sensible Internet gambling legislation.

“Congressman Frank’s bill is a common sense approach to Internet gaming,” said Senator Alfonse D’Amato, PPA Chairman of the Board. “Licensing and regulation will allow us sort out the most responsible sites who are good corporate citizens from those engaged in unscrupulous activities and practices. This legislation creates good public policy that establishes real safeguards that protect minors and problem gamblers while allowing the majority of adults to enjoy poker and other games online.”

The bill will define a set of criteria by banks and financial institutions will be allowed to process funds to and from internet gambling sites that meet strict licensing and regulations. Such criteria would include requirements that sites operate state of the art age verification software, programs to help problem gamblers, and other technological requirements. In addition, companies would be subject to affirmative monetary controls to detect and stop money-laundering activities.

“Americans have played poker throughout history. Playing poker on the Internet is simply an example of an American tradition evolving into the 21st century,” continued D’Amato. “The age verification technology that exists today to keep kids off of poker sites was non-existent years ago. The time is now, to license and regulate operators and allow U.S. poker sites to compete with off-shore ones. The internet poker genie is out of the bottle and you cannot put it back. The United Kingdom successfully regulates internet gambling and with this bill we can too.”

Last October, Congress approved and the President signed the Safe Ports Act, legislation that included the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. As a result of the plan, banks and credit card companies are required to monitor all financial transactions of its customers and block payments to online gambling sites, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are forced to deny access to gaming sites all together. As Michael Bolcerek, President of the PPA adds, “As opposed to driving the entertainment activities of millions of Americans underground which the ban unintentionally causes, this will add greater visibility to this area and better address social and financial concerns.” While outlawing Internet poker, the legislation exempts other forms of online gambling such as horse racing, fantasy sports and state lotteries. This legislation would apply to all forms of gambling including those excluded under previous legislation, further strengthening protections.

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The Poker Players Alliance www.theppa.org is a non-profit organization advocating on behalf of American poker players.

Author Contact Info: Anne Crago, Poker Players Alliance