Poker News

Poker group acknowledges its members

2008-03-26 17:25:02

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) has acknowledged the contribution made by its members in the ongoing protest against the legal crackdown on online gambling.

A poker rally on the Massachusetts State House steps saw dozens of poker enthusiasts delivering the message that playing poker is "not a crime". As a result of the pressure exerted on legislators, a new state bill that proposes strict criminal penalties for online poker players did not make it into law.

Dedicated PPA members, as well as the PPA state director Randall Castonguay, the Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society and Harvard professor Charles Nesson, have all been thanked by the organisation.

"Over the past several months the PPA has feverishly worked publicly, behind the scenes and at the grassroots level to get this onerous provision from the casino bill removed," it said.

"We will continue to monitor the situation in Massachusetts and continue to work with lawmakers to ensure that your poker voice is heard loud and clear."

Despite making it harder for online gambling enthusiasts, legislators are debating whether to build three land-based casinos in Massachusetts. While there are no specific sites for a casino at present, it is thought that they could be built in the centre of Boston or the south-west of the state.