progress in legal online poker from PPA

**panthers63** · 06-07-2013, 06:56 AM

If nobody else posted this..
We are pleased to announce that today U.S. Representative Peter King (R-NY) introduced comprehensive legislation to license and regulate Internet poker and Internet casino gaming. This federal bill gives states the authority to license Internet poker and casino gaming operators and to work with other states to offer games to consumers on an interstate basis.

The bill sets up a regulatory framework that will foster competition while mandating strong consumer protections. View the full bill and Rep. King's key points about his legislation.

PPA issued the following press release:

PPA Commends Introduction of Federal Internet Gambling Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 6, 2013) ? The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today commended Representative Peter King (R-NY) for introducing federal online gambling legislation, which would empower states to license Intra-state online poker and casino style games under appropriate federal regulatory oversight.

"On behalf of the PPA membership and millions of poker players in the United States, I thank Congressman King for his commitment to protecting Americans? freedom to play poker on the Internet," said former Senator Alfonse D'Amato, chairman of the PPA. "States are already moving to regulate online gaming. In order to avoid a patchwork of state laws that limit player pools and provides consumer protections only to Americans in those states, it is time for Congress to step up and pass federal legislation."

The comprehensive bill is similar to the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, legislation that was introduced in 2011 by Representative John Campbell (R-CA) and House Financial Services Ranking Member Barney Frank (D-MA) and that was reported out of the House Financial Services Committee with broad bipartisan support.

Among other things, the bill:

Requires states to be certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury to license potential operators. States may choose to participate in the national online gaming market without becoming a licensing agent, however;
Authorizes federal funding to address problem gambling addiction, similar to what is in place for all other types of addiction;
Gives states the freedom to opt-out of Internet gaming. Governors must notify the Department of Treasury that their state will opt-out within 120 days of passage of the bill, and opting out will NOT prohibit states from establishing their own intra-state online gaming regimes;
Ensures mandatory implementation of technologies to protect against underage gambling using the commercial and government databases used for online banking to verify age and identity;
Allows equal access to licenses for all providers, including Indian tribes and lotteries;
Preserves the traditional authority of regulators to determine the suitability of online operators when evaluating license applications; and
Contains high standards to thwart fraud, abuse and cheating to ensure fair games for customers.

"Congress cannot ignore progress and the facts. Americans want the freedom to play online poker in a regulated market and states are filling the void. Already three states have authorized online gaming and several more are on the precipice of joining them,? said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. ?Poker players recognize the benefits of a federal law over the current state-by-state approach. However, as more states lead, it will be difficult for Congress to follow ? and even more difficult to see the necessity of federal legislation. We hope that all of Congress can work together and support this bill. We look forward to supporting this vital legislation and urge its swift movement through the legislative process."

Proud to play,

John Pappas
Executive Director, Poker Players Alliance

**gpahren** · 06-07-2013, 08:13 AM

Good news. Another step in the right direction.

**NateVest** · 06-07-2013, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by panthers63

If nobody else posted this..
We are pleased to announce that today U.S. Representative Peter King (R-NY) introduced comprehensive legislation to license and regulate Internet poker and Internet casino gaming. This federal bill gives states the authority to license Internet poker and casino gaming operators and to work with other states to offer games to consumers on an interstate basis.

The bill sets up a regulatory framework that will foster competition while mandating strong consumer protections. View the full bill and Rep. King's key points about his legislation.

PPA issued the following press release:

PPA Commends Introduction of Federal Internet Gambling Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 6, 2013) ? The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today commended Representative Peter King (R-NY) for introducing federal online gambling legislation, which would empower states to license Intra-state online poker and casino style games under appropriate federal regulatory oversight.

"On behalf of the PPA membership and millions of poker players in the United States, I thank Congressman King for his commitment to protecting Americans? freedom to play poker on the Internet," said former Senator Alfonse D'Amato, chairman of the PPA. "States are already moving to regulate online gaming. In order to avoid a patchwork of state laws that limit player pools and provides consumer protections only to Americans in those states, it is time for Congress to step up and pass federal legislation."

The comprehensive bill is similar to the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, legislation that was introduced in 2011 by Representative John Campbell (R-CA) and House Financial Services Ranking Member Barney Frank (D-MA) and that was reported out of the House Financial Services Committee with broad bipartisan support.

Among other things, the bill:

Requires states to be certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury to license potential operators. States may choose to participate in the national online gaming market without becoming a licensing agent, however;
Authorizes federal funding to address problem gambling addiction, similar to what is in place for all other types of addiction;
Gives states the freedom to opt-out of Internet gaming. Governors must notify the Department of Treasury that their state will opt-out within 120 days of passage of the bill, and opting out will NOT prohibit states from establishing their own intra-state online gaming regimes;
Ensures mandatory implementation of technologies to protect against underage gambling using the commercial and government databases used for online banking to verify age and identity;
Allows equal access to licenses for all providers, including Indian tribes and lotteries;
Preserves the traditional authority of regulators to determine the suitability of online operators when evaluating license applications; and
Contains high standards to thwart fraud, abuse and cheating to ensure fair games for customers.

"Congress cannot ignore progress and the facts. Americans want the freedom to play online poker in a regulated market and states are filling the void. Already three states have authorized online gaming and several more are on the precipice of joining them,? said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. ?Poker players recognize the benefits of a federal law over the current state-by-state approach. However, as more states lead, it will be difficult for Congress to follow ? and even more difficult to see the necessity of federal legislation. We hope that all of Congress can work together and support this bill. We look forward to supporting this vital legislation and urge its swift movement through the legislative process."

Proud to play,

John Pappas
Executive Director, Poker Players Alliance

Weekly Update from Rich Muny, VP of Player Relations

As I mentioned last week, PPA had a booth at the World Series of Poker? at the Rio Hotel & Casino last weekend. PPA Director of Grassroots Drew Lesofski and Member Relations Specialist Dave McGoldrick were on hand to meet with the poker community to talk about all PPA is doing and what members can do to support the fight for poker. I'm pleased to report that the weekend was a terrific success! The booth was filled with poker players and enthusiasts. I am very happy that we were able to do this.

PPA will be back at the World Series of Poker for the weekends of 6/21-6/24 and 7/5-7/9 (the opening days of the Main Event). PPA Executive Director John Pappas and I will be there the weekend of 6/21. I will be there the weekend of 7/5 as well. I encourage you to stop by the booth to talk about the latest in the push for poker legislation, to find out what you can do to get more involved, and to renew your membership!

Mark Hoke of Fifth Street Radio interviewing PPA Director of Grassroots Drew Lesofski at the WSOP

Drew Lesofski with PPA CA State Director & ShareMyPair Co-Founder Steve Miller at the PPA WSOP Booth

New York Advocacy

PPA Executive Director John Pappas was in Albany, New York yesterday to meet with lawmakers to discuss opportunities to license and regulate online poker in that state. With a need for revenue and ongoing discussions for expanded gaming in the state, online poker clearly has a place in the discussion.

John received much positive feedback in his meetings.

NY State Seal at State Assembly Building

Join PPA

A 2013 PPA membership is the smartest bet for the future of our game. Join today for only $15 to receive the great benefits of membership and to help us continue the fight for our rights as poker players!

Interviews
Recent appearances and articles:
Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny on OnTilt Radio (6/3): I was joined by PPA Grassroots Director Drew Lesofski, who shared all that was happening at the PPA booth at the WSOP. Following this update, I was joined by Wendeen Eolis of Poker Player Newspaper, Chris Grove of Online Poker Report, and Mike Gentile of Pokerfuse for a terrific panel discussion! I hope you'll download the podcast here or on iTunes here.
Two Plus Two Magazine: Update from the Poker Players Alliance (6/3). PPA Executive Director John Pappas and I authored a piece updating everyone on all PPA is doing. Read here
Upcoming Appearance:
The Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny webcast on OnTilt Radio airs live each Monday at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Listen live here.

Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny

Interview archives:
Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny: show archive, free iTunes download
Fifth Street Radio PPA Weekly Update: site archive, free iTunes download
Social Media

For the most up-to-date news, follow us at:
Twitter: @ppapoker and @RichMuny
Facebook: facebook.com/theppa, facebook.com/PokerDailyActionPlan, and facebook.com/rich.muny
Google+: theppa.org/googleplus and gplus.to/richmuny
Thank you for your continued support!

Proud to play,

Rich Muny
[email protected]

**NateVest** · 06-07-2013, 08:36 AM

By HANNAH DREIER Associated Press
LAS VEGAS June 6, 2013 (AP)
Gamblers who prefer their laptops to blackjack tables could soon get a boost from Washington.

Republican New York Congressman Peter King proposed federal regulations Thursday that would rescue online gambling from the legal gray zone where it currently languishes.

The federal government cracked down on online poker in 2011. But the same year, the U.S. Justice Department issued a ruling making online gambling legal so long as it's permitted on the state level.

Congress flirted with an online gambling bill last year, but industry infighting and partisan disagreement ultimately doomed it. When that legislation failed, states began moving ahead on their own.

Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware have legalized some kind of online gambling, and legislatures in other states are weighing the issue.

Morgan Stanley predicts that by 2020, online gambling in the U.S. will produce the same amount of revenue as Las Vegas and Atlantic City markets combined: $9.3 billion.

But a larger, more fluid market is needed to drive up pots and create a robust stream of tax revenue.

King says his measure, called the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2013, would help states and players to navigate the world of online betting with confidence.

"A common federal standard will ensure strong protections for consumers, protect against problem and underage gambling, and make it easier for businesses, players, lawmakers and regulators to navigate and freely participate," he said in a statement.

The bill would create an office of gambling oversight in the Treasury Department, impose uniform safeguards against underage and compulsive gambling, and facilitate interstate online wagering. Individual states could continue to ban the practice, or refuse to collaborate across their borders.

The gambling lobby has been pushing for uniform federal legislation, warning that a patchwork of state laws will make it impossible for the global corporations that run the gambling industry to do business.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., pursued federal Internet poker regulation last year but ultimately gave up before even introducing the legislation.

"We spent the last four years working very, very hard to get in a position to support such legislation if it was introduced," said American Gaming Association CEO Frank Fahrenkopf. "So we're now left in a situation where Kyl, who was very important in the process, has retired, and you've got a multitude of states starting to pass legislation. So we think the urgency is even more important now."

The lobby, which historically supported an online poker only strategy, is expected to decide whether to change its stance and support the King bill at a meeting next month.

This summer could see a relative flood of online gambling bills.

Texas Republican Rep. Joe Barton plans to introduce online poker legislation by the end of next month, according to his spokesman Sean Brown.

And Reid, who once called the passage of an online poker bill, "the most important issue facing Nevada since Yucca Mountain," continues to work on new legislation with Republican Nevada senator Dean Heller.

**NateVest** · 06-07-2013, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by NateVest

By HANNAH DREIER Associated Press
LAS VEGAS June 6, 2013 (AP)
Gamblers who prefer their laptops to blackjack tables could soon get a boost from Washington.

Republican New York Congressman Peter King proposed federal regulations Thursday that would rescue online gambling from the legal gray zone where it currently languishes.

The federal government cracked down on online poker in 2011. But the same year, the U.S. Justice Department issued a ruling making online gambling legal so long as it's permitted on the state level.

Congress flirted with an online gambling bill last year, but industry infighting and partisan disagreement ultimately doomed it. When that legislation failed, states began moving ahead on their own.

Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware have legalized some kind of online gambling, and legislatures in other states are weighing the issue.

Morgan Stanley predicts that by 2020, online gambling in the U.S. will produce the same amount of revenue as Las Vegas and Atlantic City markets combined: $9.3 billion.

But a larger, more fluid market is needed to drive up pots and create a robust stream of tax revenue.

King says his measure, called the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2013, would help states and players to navigate the world of online betting with confidence.

"A common federal standard will ensure strong protections for consumers, protect against problem and underage gambling, and make it easier for businesses, players, lawmakers and regulators to navigate and freely participate," he said in a statement.

The bill would create an office of gambling oversight in the Treasury Department, impose uniform safeguards against underage and compulsive gambling, and facilitate interstate online wagering. Individual states could continue to ban the practice, or refuse to collaborate across their borders.

The gambling lobby has been pushing for uniform federal legislation, warning that a patchwork of state laws will make it impossible for the global corporations that run the gambling industry to do business.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., pursued federal Internet poker regulation last year but ultimately gave up before even introducing the legislation.

"We spent the last four years working very, very hard to get in a position to support such legislation if it was introduced," said American Gaming Association CEO Frank Fahrenkopf. "So we're now left in a situation where Kyl, who was very important in the process, has retired, and you've got a multitude of states starting to pass legislation. So we think the urgency is even more important now."

The lobby, which historically supported an online poker only strategy, is expected to decide whether to change its stance and support the King bill at a meeting next month.

This summer could see a relative flood of online gambling bills.

Texas Republican Rep. Joe Barton plans to introduce online poker legislation by the end of next month, according to his spokesman Sean Brown.

And Reid, who once called the passage of an online poker bill, "the most important issue facing Nevada since Yucca Mountain," continues to work on new legislation with Republican Nevada senator Dean Heller.

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