Poker Players Alliance Exec Says Federal Regulation is Unlikely

Aug 13, 2014
Poker Players Alliance Exec Says Federal Regulation is Unlikely
John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, wrote for Yogonet revealing his thoughts that federal legalization of online poker in America is probably not in the cards and state legislation is the answer. “Fractured by ongoing partisanship and the typical stagnation of an election year, the United States Congresstoday can be best defined by its inaction rather than action,” Pappas wrote. “As such, the prospects for federal legislation to license and regulate online poker in the near future are slim, drawing attention instead to the states, where progress is more promising.” Pappas notes the success that Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey are experiencing and pointed out that more and more states are showing interest in online gambling including Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts and Hawaii. “Compared to years past, this is certainly a positive trend, but much more needs to be done to ensure all players across the country have access to a fair environment to play the game of poker.” Sheldon Adelson's efforts were also acknowledged: “Mr. Adelson has contributed a great deal of money, time and effort into thwarting efforts to pass federal and state legislation to license and regulate online poker. He has even gone as far as to facilitate the introduction of federal legislation which would reverse an interpretation by the Department of Justice which allows states to make their own decisions on legislation. “Though he claims his efforts are motivated by societal concerns, his own casino offers online and mobile gambling. Until recently, the Venetian website, owned by Mr. Adelson, boasted, “Is there anything you can't do on a smartphone or tablet nowadays? Mobile Casino Gaming is available to you on property during your stay, and you can even play from your room!” According to his logic, mobile gambling is only safe in a room he can charge you for. “Wherever his true motives lie, Mr. Adelson's argument continues to be whittled away by the fact that prohibition will not protect U.S. citizens. Internet gaming regulations in other countries, and those proposed here in the U.S., are significantly more restrictive than regulations on the very brick-and-mortar casinos that have contributed to his considerable wealth.”
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