The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is a not-for-profit organisation made up of over 1 million American poker players and enthusiasts alike who want to see poker made available to all. The hope is that in one united voice they can bring about change and ensure the integrity of the game of poker.
National Poker Week is organised by the Poker Players Alliance and runs from the 19th to 25th of July with the aim of rallying President Obama and his constituency into change regarding the regulation and licensing of online poker in the U.S .
Poker Petition
This year’s Poker Week falls just after hearings on legislation that were introduced by Congressman Barney Frank to regulate and license online gambling, were delayed from July to September. The PPA is calling for 500,000 signatures on a petition that calls for just such licensing believing that as free Americans everyone should have the right and choice to play online poker. At time of writing they have got nearly 400,000 signatures but obviously have more work to do to reach the 500k mark. A rally takes place in Washington this week supported by many high profile pro players. PokerStars are even crediting people who have signed the petition with a special PPA Freeroll ticket that can be used in one of their Saturday Freerolls.
The Poker Problem
It is estimated that over 10 million people play poker in America. The poker industry as a whole has been hit since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was initiated and millions have been seized from online payment processors, which largely consists of player’s winnings, deposits and payments. For example, San Diego based firm Account Services Corporation who was servicing U.S players had $14 million seized by the U.S Department of Justice. That was a fraction of the $40m that was seized overall in this particular targeting. Account Services are contesting the seizure and have filed a motion for the return of the funds on the basis that they were unlawfully taken. In the meantime, the poker companies whose players have lost their earnings are footing the bill until an outcome has been served. All bad for poker and obvious to see why so many rooms will no longer accept U.S players.
The work of the PPA continues. Especially as a survey by Betfair, the online sports betting company, recently suggested that only 42% of US players were even aware of the seizures. As knowledge increases so will the collective voice. You can show your support by visiting ‘theppa.org’.