APCW Interviews PPA Over New Barney Frank Online Gambling Bill

Gambling News - February 1st, 2010 - Written By Glen

For online gambling, 2009 was a rocky year. The federal government had prosecuted the Golden Casino Group as well as some of the largest online poke rooms. Indeed the payment processors had also taken a substantial blow from the marauding federal government.

A glimmer of hope came in late November when the US Treasury Department delayed the UIGEA for another six months, giving Barney Frank and legislators time to push the bill through that would repeal the UIGEA and bring legalized online gambling to players throughout the United States.

Along side Representative Frank, at the spearhead of the initiative, is the Poker Player's Alliance. The PPA has been fighting for legalized online poker, but also legalized online casino gambling. A recent interview between the Association of Players, Casinos, and Webmasters, or the APCW, and the Poker Player's Alliance has highlighted their efforts in the final push against the UIGEA.

John Pappas, the PPA's Executive Director, was the subject of the interview. After a few jokes, Pappas told the APCW that voters need to be prepared throughout the month of February, as the issue could culminate as soon as the second month of the year.

In order to aid in the battle for legal online gambling, the PPA has launched a mailing tool. This mailing tool will allow constituents to enter their zip code, which will then be used to automatically fill out an e-mail directly to their congressperson informing them that they, the voter, want to see legal online gambling. According to the interview, this message can be customized to fit the gambler - be it a poker fan or a casino player.

The interview has also told us of www.TweetForPoker.com, which will allow users to send a twitter message directly to their member of congress. This too will help spread the idea of legal Online Gambling as only the voters can.

Pappas also stated that the battle is one that will be uphill. With the first step being getting the bill beyond the House Financial Committee, there are many more steps to go. The House and Senate, both parts of Congress, must agree on legislation. While all well and good, bill may then encounter trouble on the state and local levels.

According to Pappas in his Interview with the APCW, it will take as many voters working together as possible. No one person can enact the change, as none of us are as strong as all of us. He urges gamblers to contact their representation, be it through the PPA or individual efforts.