Poker Players Alliance Web Cast Brings Hope to Poker Players

On April 12, 2007, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) held a web cast which was attended by PPA Chairman, ex New York Senator Alfonse D'Amato and the President of the Poker Players Alliance, Michael Bolcerek.

During the 30 minute discussion, Sen. D'Amato said that he is a great admirer of poker and poker players should not be treated like criminals for just wanting to play the game. He further stated that he is very happy to be the chosen chairman of the organization, mainly because of his long time interest in the game.

Sen. D'Amato commented that it will be a tough uphill battle because of what happened with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and how it was "covertly" passed with the Port Security legislation on October 13, 2007. However, there have been some moves to overturn it. For example, Representative Barney Frank from Massachusetts will introduce a bill in Congress next week seeking to overturn the UIGEA.

Chairman D'Amato said that they are looking to regulate poker not ban it totally on the internet. Imposing taxes on internet poker will bring in about $3 Billion, which could be allotted to helping stop problem gambling and youth gambling.

Some of the questions that D'Amato and Bolcerek were asked during web cast are the status of the UIGEA, the ruling in the WTO in the Antigua problems, as well as the moves in legalizing the poker game in Texas and West Virginia. With Sen. D'Amato at the helm, it is guaranteed that there will be some major changes in the poker industry in the coming years.

May 10, 2007
Jeremy Evans