A new non-profit organization called the Poker Players Alliance is giving American poker players a voice to air their opinions and concerns when it comes to protecting the right to play the game both online and at the tables--be they at casinos, at charitable events or in the comfort of their homes. The PPA has secured a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm to be an advocate for the players and to oppose federal bills that would take away players' rights to play poker online. The PPA also plans to take action at the state and local levels against the raiding of charitable and friendly games all over the country.
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"If big government can take away the right to play online, you can bet that they will come after poker in every form."
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The group recently kicked off a campaign to gain recognition among poker players that includes stops at the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour events. Players are encouraged to contribute to the cause by joining the organization, and introductory membership rates begin at $15. Chairman Sam Gorewitz, who did an interview with IGamingNews.com last week, says the group plans to serve about 100,000 members.
Here's how the interview went. . . .
IGN: What are the Poker Players Alliance's plans for gaining recognition and exposure among poker players in the United States?
Sam Gorewitz: The most important thing that we can do to obtain recognition among players is to be true to our mission. We are not about making a profit, selling products, driving traffic or any commercial exploitation. Our mission is all about simply liberties and how they apply to the game we all love. Once the players appreciate the simplicity and dedication of this mission, I hope that we can secure their trust and backing.
The Poker Player Alliance is engaged in a multi-faceted versatile marketing campaign that will reach all types of poker players. We have run ads in several prominent poker magazines and will be posting online ads on the magazine and other poker-related Web sites. As our membership continues to grow, we hope to expand our paid advertising while concentrating heavily on grassroots and word of mouth.
As you know, while online poker is a relatively new phenomenon, millions of Americans gather weekly to play in pubs, bars and restaurants across the country. We are actively reaching out to these state and local poker leagues to educate their members on the Poker Players Alliance and our mission.
We also are engaging local and national media to promote awareness of the organization and serving as a public voice on issues important to poker players. As the interest in poker continues to grow, we hope to serve as a valuable resource the media can turn to for facts and information.
IGN: What is the PPA's approach toward working with online gambling companies?
SG: We don’t have any formal relationships with online poker companies. The Poker Players Alliance believes that these companies are valuable resources moving forward as we share the common goals of protecting poker rights. The Alliance welcomes those who operate or play online to join and help support our organization. Those in the industry can become members of our organization by visiting our Web site, www.pokerplayersalliance.org.
IGN: Who will lobby on behalf of the PPA and what are their qualifications?
SG: While the Poker Players Alliance has retained the support of a professional lobbying outfit based in Washington, D.C., we feel strongly that our best advocates are our individual members. Lobbyists are only the messengers, the message has to come from the membership. Quite simply, their qualifications are that they play poker and they vote. And through our Web site, we have made it easy for them to make their voices heard. Our Web site contains state of the art software that allows people to send messages via e-mail, phone and fax to their state and federal elected officials as easy as clicking a button. As importantly, we provide the information that people need to be knowledgeable about the growing threat to the game and why it needs to be protected.
IGN: Has the PPA considered other options besides lobbying to secure Americans' right to play poker online?
SG: Maintaining a strong and visible presence in Washington is a critical component of educating lawmakers about poker, but it's not the only component. Through our Web site and other activities, such as community forums and debates, the Poker Players Alliance is seeking to educate the "average poker Joe" about their rights. We will be involved in state and local issues and cases. Still, as IGN knows, the most immediate threat to the game is federal legislation that prohibits online gaming. Some of our members never have--nor will they ever--play a hand of poker online; yet, we feel that they too need to be educated on the realities of the threat. If big government can take away the right to play online, you can bet that they will come after poker in every form. Despite the rhetoric, this issue is really about personal choices. Some people simply want to dictate how other people should live, and poker as an avocation or a lifestyle is simply not acceptable to them.
IGN: Would the PPA work to promote a regulatory bill?
SG: Until we have a solid base of grassroots support, we will have no impact in Washington or in state capitols. The Poker Players Alliance is not yet in a position to draft or endorse any specific legislation. Current legislation proposed in Washington concerns us because it takes away the rights of poker players to play online. We are resolute in our mission to guarantee poker players a secure, safe and regulated place to play, whether online, in homes or at a local bar or tavern. Only with the support of the poker community coming together to join and support the Poker Players Alliance can we hope to impact this legislation.