As I reflect on the last-ditch efforts of Senator Harry Reid during Congress’ lame duck session to try and pass some kind of reasonable and beneficial regulation of online poker, I see a great deal of hopefulness for the future. However, I am also irritated by the wholesale selfishness involved with the criticism of the PPA and the blatant anger displayed by people who failed to look at the big picture in regards to online poker’s legalization. Most of the intial outcry came from the inclusion of a 15-month blackout period for the major sites like PokerStars and FullTilt if they wanted to be certified as legal poker entities in the U.S. – certainly inconvenient for most poker players to deal with, but apparently a necessary inclusion to any regulation bill in order to allow the brick-and-mortar casinos the opportunity to “catch up” with their online competitors. People on the inside of such legislative discussions – like the PPA’s John Pappas and Rich Muny – delivered reasonable analysis of these provisions, yet were often criticized for not pushing back against these restrictions that are apparently too difficult to overcome. These gentlemen deal with the issues on a daily basis, speak to political leaders all the time, and know what can and canot be accomplished. As Muny said, “We will never get 100% of what want…”, bt the bottom line is that we need to get this regulation of poker instituted in order to have safe and fair places to play without having to deal with problems depositing money or getting paid when we win. We will need to accept compromises – not sit back and whine about minor inconveniences. Two things to remember: Look at the big picture on what is benefical for all poker players over the long term, and quit focusing on how everything affects you personally in the short term.
Now that the Republicans having retaken control of the House and one of our leaders, Rep. Barney Frank has lost his position of power as a committee chairman, things will be even more difficult in the next year or two to get anything accomplished in regards to the legalization of online poker on a federal level. States have stepped in to protect their more local interests by starting efforts to approve of intrastate poker play – New Jersey, California and Florida have taken the lead in such efforts. While the PPA does not feel that this is the best direction to go, my feeling is that this may be the only opportunity for any advancement of our benefits in the near future. Still, the initial reaction, especially from online pros, has been outrage that massive online fields will be non-existent and the opportunity to make a living will be diminished by restrictions at tournments that only allow for players from that particular state to participate. Certainly some truth to that, but again – it’s not only about you! Advancements need to be made now… otherwise, we will continue to flounder with the status quo.
The bottom line is that anyone who is interested in these issues and agrees with the need to get online poker regulated, needs to join the Poker Players Alliance immediately. Having the voices of hundreds of thousands of avid poker players joined as one is paramount to getting anything done. The PPA is working diligently on our behalf and they need our support. You can always join for free and get regular information from them, but I encourage everyone to purchase a Premium Membership for just $20 – that way you are truly supporting the cause and helping make a difference. Go to www.theppa.org and see what they have to offer – make an informed decision and help make get our goals accomplished!
