Poker Lobbyists Rally as Part of "National Poker Week"

Sports Betting News - July 21st, 2009 - Written by Glen

According to the Associated Press, the Poker Players Alliance has amassed in D.C. to put forth their hand at trying to overturn the nonsense that has swept the nation in regards to online poker. The Alliance will be meeting with Congress Members en mass to try to remove the UIGEA from the online poker equation. They refuse to stop there, however, as they plan on personally delivering a petition to President Obama on Wednesday. Over 300,000 signatures were collected, and each one represents an even greater number of people who enjoy what could be considered a national game - poker.

Annie Duke, Howard Lederer, and other poker celebrities are participating in an organized poker tournament for charity, the proceeds from which will go to the USO and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This should show legislators that poker players are a part of this nation, and should be recognized as opposed to oppressed.

The biggest argument held by opposing forces in the fight for regulated and legal online poker is just that - they feel that it cannot be regulated. The opposition argues that children and underage gamblers may be able to sit down and play poker for money, or that problem gambling may arise. The former issue is one that should not even come up, as any online poker room goes to great lengths to ensure that their members are of legal age and that no false ID will be submitted. Regulatory statutes could include components to aid those with gambling issues, as many states have already founded government entities for helping problem gamblers seek help. There are also private firms that aid in the removal of gambling addiction.

The snowball was set in motion by the seizure of over $30 million dollars by the U.S. government, all due to be disbursed as online poker winnings. The recent stepping up of enforcement on the UIGEA has many up in arms, and citizens are continuing to back Barney Frank in his fight to overturn the UIGEA.