Posted by
TheEngineer on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 12:36:57 AM
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Dear Fellow Poker Player,
The PPA's efforts are paying off in Washington, DC! Legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. House and the Senate that will affirmatively license and regulate Internet poker.
These federal bills respect states' rights by allowing each state to choose whether its citizens can participate. With Congressional action on these bills expected in the near future, we must start now to let your state's elected officials know we demand the right to play poker on the Internet.
In just 60 seconds, you can send a letter to your governor and lawmakers. It is critical that your governor, state senator, and state representative hear from you TODAY. Your state officials need to know that passing up the opportunity to license and regulate online poker would limit your freedom while ignoring the needed revenue the program would bring to your state.
Please take a moment and send the following letter. By doing so, you will help us to achieve our shared goal of protecting poker wherever it is played.
Proud to Play Poker,
Alfonse D'Amato, Chairman
Poker Players Alliance
The Poker Players Alliance
Dedicated to Protecting America's Favorite Card Game
The Poker Players Alliance is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and to protect poker players' rights.
Here's the letter:
The U.S. Congress is considering legislation to license, regulate, and tax online games of skill like poker. The legislation contains a provision that allows states to opt out of the federal licensing program, and the choice for our state to stay in or opt out will come shortly after implementation of the legislation. As a constituent, voter, and proud poker player, I ask that you support keeping our state in this important program.
U.S. House Bill H.R. 2267 and U.S. Senate Bill S. 1597 provide for sensible licensing, regulation, and taxation of Internet poker. They mandate rigorous, verifiable safeguards against underage participation while providing consumer protections for the millions, including many in our state, who play online poker every day. These bills also include dedicated funding to establish and implement programs for prevention and treatment of those with excessive gaming habits.
Both bills benefit our state economically. According to an economic study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers in April, tax revenues from these bills will provide billions of dollars to the U.S. Treasury and to the states in the program. Additionally, the Senate bill provides for revenue-sharing with participating states, bringing even more much-needed funds into our state's coffers. Both bills allow American companies to participate in the world's Internet poker market, bringing needed jobs to our state as well.
Solutions like H.R. 2267 and S. 1597 provide the most rational approach to controlling this industry and preserving it for adults who choose to engage in games of skill like poker. An unenforceable, unpopular prohibition provides none of these benefits. All prohibition can do is drive players underground or overseas while limiting my personal freedom.
What's most important to me is your support for my rights. Please respond to this letter and let me know if you will support keeping our state in this important program. I will be watching your actions on this issue closely. I hope that I, along with my over one million fellow Poker Players Alliance members can count on your support.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[sender's name]