Home / Poker News October 2012 / PPA Letter to Kyl and Reid
PPA Letter to Kyl and Reid
Posted by: Randy Williams - Sun, 2012-10-28 13:56
Although at first glance, much of the poker world would find it good news that Senators Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) are working on a bi-partisan effort to legalize
online poker, those in the know are aware that much can be lost/given up in the name of compromise at times like this and that the significance of such moments can never be underestimated. That is the reason why the Poker Players Alliance is preparing to send a letter to the offices of the above said two senators, asking for clarifications regarding several aspects of the bill that would legalize online poker while prohibiting non-skill based online gambling.
Last month, the summary text of the bill the two senators were working on was released, which raised the possibility of criminal penalties for players. While the draft version of the bill put those fears to rest, many other questions have remained unanswered. Two of those questions are about the possibility of international online poker play at a future time and the 15-month waiting period following the enactment of the bill till actual play can start.
In its current shape, the bill does not leave the door open for international play. The 15-month waiting period is one the PPA and many other poker interests would like to see reduced.
According to John Pappas of the PPA, the issue concerning the requirement that all states opt in through a legislative vote is still a thorn in the side of his organization, in spite of the fact that he had previously said the PPA would not fight that provision.
The biggest hurdles in the path of the planned bill are the Indian tribes and state lotteries, however, the tribes seem to be on-board with the initiative.
