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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Distribution Contact: Shannon Flaherty [email protected] Teresa Schofield [email protected] (202) 347-6762(202) 347-7516 Regulating Online Poker Top Technology Issue in White House Citizens’ Briefing Book Washington, DC (May 12, 2009) – The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today praised the release of the White House Citizen’s Briefing Book, a compilation of voter-led policy proposals that includes as one of its top items the licensing and regulation of online poker. “Poker players around the country are speaking with one voice to protect the game they love, and the White House is hearing that message,” said PPA Executive Director John Pappas. “The popularity of online poker continues to grow, and the fact that poker is the top technology issue – and the 11th issue overall – proves that this is not a niche issue, but a national public policy that this Congress and this president should advance this year.” About The Poker Players Alliance The Poker Players Alliance (www.theppa.org) is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of over 1,000,000 online and offline poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and to protect poker players’ rights. As part of President Obama’s transition, the White House asked citizens to submit a policy proposal that would be voted on through their website, www.change.gov. Those with the strongest support were included in a “briefing book” to the president, and the number one technology item was “Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker,” which received 46,890 points. In addition to garnering the attention of the White House, House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced legislation last week, H.R 2267, to establish U.S. licensing and regulation of Internet poker, providing for greater protections to keep children and problem gamblers off these sites while allowing for strong consumer protections for adult consumers who enjoy this great American pastime. “We hope the Administration hears and acts upon the clear message sent via the Citizen’s Briefing Book – keep online poker legal through thoughtful regulation. The poker community stands ready to work with President Obama and Congress to make sure the will of the people is acted upon,” Pappas continued. The submission, which was crafted by online poker player Aaron Huertas of Washington, D.C., reads as follows: Poker Players Alliance Applauds Senate Judiciary for Passage of Gaming Legislation About The Poker Players Alliance The Poker Players Alliance (www.theppa.org) is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of over 1,000,000 online and offline poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and to protect poker players’ rights. Washington, DC (May 13, 2009) –The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide (nearly 10,000 in South Carolina), today commended the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee for passing two pieces of legislation that would create a more favorable environment for social poker in the state. Both Senate Bill 535 and Senate Bill 628 amend the state’s antiquated gaming laws to allow individuals and organizations to host social gaming activities, whether it be Bunko, Bridge or poker, without fear of prosecution. “The thousands of poker players in the state are now one step closer to being allowed to enjoy a game of poker online or with their friends around the kitchen table without the fear of being accused of a crime under outdated state laws,” said PPA’s South Carolina State Director John Ridgeway. Key for the poker community is the successful effort by the PPA to amend both bills to include the predominance test. Under this test, if the outcomes of a game are mostly due to chance, the game is gambling. If the outcomes of the game are mostly due to the player’s exercise of skill, the game is not gambling. Earlier this year, a South Carolina judge joined many other judges and academics in declaring that poker is indeed a game of skill. “With the continued rising popularity of poker across the country and the state of South Carolina, it is vital that any laws related to gaming not only reflect the realities of the 21st Century, but establish a clear definition of what constitutes legal gaming and what constitutes illegal gaming,” said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. “These two bills achieve those goals, and we urge the South Carolina Senate to quickly bring these pieces of legislation to the floor for a vote before the end of the session.” Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker, 46890 points Let online poker players in the United States play legally and without fear of prosecution. Reform the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to exempt poker, a game of skill, from the law. Boost the economy by letting American companies and American players make money and pay taxes instead of sending online poker businesses offshore. Protect online poker players by regulating the industry to ensure that no one is ever cheated. To review the full Citizen’s Briefing Book, please visit www.theppa.org. ### About The Poker Players Alliance The Poker Players Alliance (www.theppa.org) is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of over 1,000,000 online and offline poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and to protect poker players’ rights.