The Poker Players Alliance
I’m not big on promoting organizations or websites; I don’t consider myself a joiner. However, I do belong to the Poker Players Alliance and maybe you should consider joining as well.
The PPA ( www.theppa.org ) has been around for a few years and its mission is very simple:
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is a non-profit membership organization comprised of online and offline poker players. Our membership consists of enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and protect the right to play poker in all its forms. Just like situs judi bola, the main purpose of this organization is to protect thee right of players and the game itself so it will not be manipulated by outside forces.
If you played poker online before 4/15/2011 you know why we need to support organizations like the PPA. If you live in a state where card players are struggling to get legislation passed to decriminalize online poker and allow other forms of online gambling, you know what I’m talking about. Governments are necessary; I get it! Good governments shouldn’t be looking over our shoulders telling us what we can and cannot do – especially when we want to do something that doesn’t harm anyone.
I live in New York and the state legislature is on the brink of allowing New York citizens a chance to vote on a referendum to allow live casino table games in selected locations through out the state. Voters will have to pass on the referendum in 2 consecutive years before plans can go ahead. We already have church bingo, horse racing, lotteries, keno type games, and racinos with slot machines, video poker machines, and electronic craps, roulette and baccarat machines. Why not poker? Why not blackjack? Why not allow American citizens to join and gamble at online casinos based outside of the United States?
The editorial pages of the local newspaper have been painting doomsday gambling scenarios for the past few months. The prediction, of course, is that if the state allows casino table games we will experience the debilitating costs of devastating gambling addictions throughout the state. #1 – Baloney! #2 – What about the rest of us who aren’t addicted to every pleasurable substance or activity that comes along. Will we legislate food next? Exercise? Clothing for fear someone will hoard it? Alcohol more than it already is legislated? Where should the government stop intervening? It could go on and on.
Not only has the US Congress terrorized its own citizens by criminalizing an otherwise innocent activity like online gambling but they have terrorized international organizations that legitimately deal with online casinos outside of the country. Try having a commercial dealing with an online casino outside of the USA and getting paid! Any money coming from an online casino outside the states is immediately considered tainted even if it was in payment for services. I know; I’ve been there and I’m not a criminal!
The PPA is on the right track. Alfonse D’Amato, Chairman of the Board of Directors and former US Senator from New York State, is a staunch supporter of our rights to enjoy online poker and other online gaming activities whenver we choose. I stand by the PPA’s motto “Never Fold!” This venture needs supporters like you. Join up! I did.
