PPA launches national call to action against online poker ban

 The poker community has been eager to raise concerns over the direct assault recent legislation introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (S. 2159) and Representative Jason Chaffetz (H.R. 4301) and guided by the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, will have on their personal freedoms. While many of PPA's members have voiced their frustrations, this call to action will elevate the campaign and broaden the message for all Members of Congress.

 "We have learned time and time again throughout history that prohibition is not the solution for protecting consumers and actually does more harm than good," said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. "We cannot stand by and allow for misguided legislation to reverse the incredible advancements we have made in consumer and player protections and the ability of the individual states to determine whether to regulate online poker.

"The National Conference of State Legislatures and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries also recently expressed their opposition to these efforts on the grounds that they would undermine states' authority. I encourage all Americans who oppose a ban on our online freedoms to join us in reaching out to your Member of Congress and letting them know you do not support these bills," continued Pappas.

A key component of the campaign is a newly launched webpage offering easy to use resources for PPA members and all Americans to raise their concerns around the attempted prohibition of online poker. Through the webpage players are provided:

* Tools to reach out to their Member of Congress via an email, call or direct meeting
* Tools to raise the issue directly to Members of the House and Senate
Judiciary committees and anti-poker policymakers via Twitter

* Talking points and recommendations for raising the issue at a public event  
Leveraging the upcoming two week Congressional recess, the PPA is urging Americans to engage directly with their elected officials in their own home offices.