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HEADLINE: PPA Fighting for Poker Players' Rights in KY, MA

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The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), a nonprofit organization acting as an advocacy group in Washington for the rights and protection of US poker players, is making its voice heard in Massachusetts and Kentucky.

Kentucky's Governor Ernie Fletcher recently vetoed proposed legislation on casino and poker gaming, causing the PPA to set its sights on the state.

At present, gaming in Kentucky is illegal, with Indiana being just one adjacent state to build casinos on the Kentucky border, aimed at drawing eager gamers and poker players.

"Kentucky deserves to keep this revenue in our own state for the benefit of our own citizens," said Rich Muny, the State Director for the PPA in Kentucky. "Additionally, our citizens deserve the freedom to choose to play a hand of poker."

Kentucky shares its plight with Texas, where gambling is also illegal but neighboring states such as Oklahoma and Louisiana earn millions in revenue from Texas citizens crossing state lines just to play a legal hand of cards.

Massachusetts is another targeted state for the PPA, this time with the aim being at giving the state's citizens the right to play poker online. Or, rather, not taking it away.

Governor Deval Patrick recently proposed a bill calling for the expansion of casino gaming in MA. The bill is receiving much support, though some say the projected $400 Million in annual state income from a 27% taxation of the gaming revenue isn't realistic. But, says the PPA, while the bill furthers land-based gaming, it makes it illegal for state residents to play poker online. Under the proposed legislation, those in violation could face up to two years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000.

"[Poker is] a national pastime," said Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.), who opposes bills such as this that disallow online gaming. "And the idea that we would prohibit adults from playing poker on the venue of the 21st century is illogical."

The PPA is encouraging residents of Kentucky and Massachusetts that wish to keep their right to play poker to contact their Governors, State Representatives, and State Senators.

"The Poker Players Alliance is committed to assisting Massachusetts poker players by bringing attention to this attack on our rights," notes Randy Castonguay, the PPA State Director for Massachusetts. "However, we cannot do this alone."

More information can be found at the PPA's official website: http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org/

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