FairPlayUSA discussion

[LT22]

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/fairplayusa-la...140607306.html

Lawyer and Internet safety expert Parry Aftab said, "Licensing and regulating online poker is the most effective and responsible way to ensure the safety of America's children and consumers. Given the growing popularity of online poker, we cannot afford to miss this opportunity to protect America's children and consumers. We must take action now."
Further, FairPlayUSA believes that the millions of Americans who are playing poker online deserve to know they are playing safely with law-abiding operators. Licensing and regulation of online poker in the U.S. would ensure American consumers are protected and that the jobs and taxes associated with this industry are realized here in the United States.
"Americans are passionate about online poker. I respect their right to play games that are fair and on sites that are strictly regulated. I'll do everything I can to support efforts that protect our rights to play this quintessential American game and to make it clear that every adult has the legal right to play poker online," said Professional Poker Champion Greg Raymer.

[caseycjc]

Originally Posted by LT22

do you support the Barton bill?

seriously folks, the writing has been on the wall since December 2010 (maybe even earlier) that the only way to get legal online poker is via casino interests and compromise

a bill that makes online poker legal and does nothing else will NEVER move, that is not how politics works

Compromise is one thing but this is outrageous,

1.Strengthen the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 to unambiguously eliminate illegal Internet gambling.

At the end of the day I have to live in my own skin, selling out to this degree is beyond my comprehension.

Call it politics and the way "it works" if that helps you sleep better at night.

[Lovesantiques]

Originally Posted by Troveur

Lets get 1 thing straight--you are not a grassroots operation. You are a astroturf group funded by Ceasars/MGM (as you have already admitted) that want to pretend they come from a grassroots campaign.

Any bills that may be advocated by this group will 100% be in the big casinos interest first and foremost. Clearly any player interests that may conflict or oppose casino interests will be ignored.

I agree with your first assertion, not so sure about your second. Please do read what their website says about on-line poker here.

What, exactly, is on that site that goes against the players' interests? Sure, the potential for abuse by the big corporations is there when it comes time to drafting actual legislation - but hopefully (maybe I'm being naive here) everything will be done openly this time (unlike when the UIGEA was written) and everyone, players included, will have ample to time and opportunity to comment and plead their case.

Certainly, I think that we can all agree that the current state of affairs is unacceptable. Adults in this country should be allowed to play poker on-line, as well as in casinos. The government shouldn't be able to tell us what we can or cannot do in this regard.

On-line poker needs be fully, clearly, legalized. The one point in the statements that FairPlay makes that I disagree with, in fact, is #3. This states:

"Give states and tribes the authority to accept or prohibit online poker and mandate sophisticated tools to block consumers in those prohibited areas."

In terms of practical politics, this may well be necessary. But, I would prefer to see the law allow for all people in this country, no matter where located, to play or not as we choose. To not allow states to opt out.

Aside from that, I don't see anything in their agenda to disagree with, really.

What has happened with Full Tilt Poker and UB/AP/Cereus and others has clearly shown that players need the protection of law - and that will only come with good legislation.

Are there questions regarding FairPlay that need answering? Of course! And they are being asked, which is good. Hopefully, answers will be forthcoming and clarity will be had. And, hopefully, we'll find that FairPlay isn't working for a goal that is anti-player.

Me? I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, but will keep a close eye on things. What's that group in Delaware? 3 something or other. They want to restrict new casinos. All in the name of the "public good". Strangely, the "3" comes from the 3 existing casinos wanting to restrict competition. Maybe not so strangely.

Same thing here. So long as Caesars and MGM aren't trying to monopolize the business, and are willing to back legislation that allows for healthy competition, I'm all for it. If they want a monopoly - forget it!

Lee

[LT22]

Originally Posted by caseycjc

Compromise is one thing but this is outlandish,

1.Strengthen the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 to unambiguously eliminate illegal Internet gambling.

At the end of the day I have to live in my own skin, selling out to this degree is beyond my comprehension.

Call it politics and the way "it works" if that helps you sleep better at night.

keep on fighting the good fight, but strengthening UIGEA is going to be in any bill that passes (or even has a CHANCE at passing).

I would gladly support repeal of UIGEA, fwiw, but it's just not gonna happen.

[mflawler10]

Originally Posted by FairPlayUSA

RE #1 - FairPlayUSA has not endorsed the Barton Bill or any other current legislation. We will be focused on educating the public and policy makers about the need to clarify existing federal laws on Internet gambling, to provide law enforcement with tools to shut down illegal sites,...

You are focused on providing law enforcement with tools to shut down "illegal" sites? Or in other words clear the competition so Caesars/MGM can step in and dominate the market when legislation passes. I fail to see why supporting this would benefit any poker player.

[FairPlayUSA]

Originally Posted by mpethybridge

FPUSA has left the building. Pretty sure we scared him off, lololol.

We are still here and will be available for most of today. We've received a LOT of questions and are working on getting answers posted as quickly as possible.

[Lovesantiques]

Originally Posted by PokerXanadu

FairPlayUSA - Who are you? Are you a poker player? A regular 2+2 poster under a different username? A casino employee? Do you have a specific position in the new organization? Are you a member of the Board of Directors (who are the others, i.e. not the "Advisory Board")? A paid staff member?

Excellent questions! I'm wondering the same things myself, as I'm sure a lot of us are.

FairPlayUSA - please let us know.

Thank you.

Lee

[DrewOnTilt]

Originally Posted by mflawler10

You are focused on providing law enforcement with tools to shut down "illegal" sites? Or in other words clear the competition so Caesars/MGM can step in and dominate the market when legislation passes. I fail to see why supporting this would benefit any poker player.

...maybe be giving you access to a site where you and the average fish can easily deposit and withdraw without the risk of the operator absconding with your funds?

[novahunterpa]

Originally Posted by caseycjc

Compromise is one thing but this is outrageous,

1.Strengthen the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 to unambiguously eliminate illegal Internet gambling.

At the end of the day I have to live in my own skin, selling out to this degree is beyond my comprehension.

Call it politics and the way "it works" if that helps you sleep better at night.

This is just the way it is. The general public and lawmakers don't want illegal operators and neither should poker players. IF they are going to regulate it they are going to also have to have strong enforcement against illegal sites.

[Doc T River]

Originally Posted by FairPlayUSA

No, not at all. We are happy to have everyone who supports regulation of online poker onboard so we can all play! The question for you is if you want to support us given that we may differ on a few points.

I will support you if you aren't simply brick and mortar casinos trying to hide behind the players. And are willing to listen when people differ with your views.

In looking over the remainder of this thread since your response to my post, the questions others have asked that leap out at me are about your identity and your position within Fair Play.

From NovahunterPA

"This is just the way it is. The general public and lawmakers don't want illegal operators and neither should poker players. IF they are going to regulate it they are going to also have to have strong enforcement against illegal sites."

If someone wants to play on an unlicensed site after regulation, who are we to tell them no?

[PokerXanadu]

Originally Posted by LT22

keep on fighting the good fight, but strengthening UIGEA is going to be in any bill that passes (or even has a CHANCE at passing).

I would gladly support repeal of UIGEA, fwiw, but it's just not gonna happen.

But there are different levels of UIGEA strengthening. One of the most important questions is whether or not this includes player penalties or criminalization. I consider that a deal-breaker.

[Lovesantiques]

Originally Posted by caseycjc

Principles:

1.Strengthen the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 to unambiguously eliminate illegal Internet gambling.

Thanks but no thanks, anyone who supports strengthening the UIGEA, does NOT get my support under absolutely no circumstances what so ever.

Originally Posted by caseycjc

Compromise is one thing but this is outrageous,

1.Strengthen the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 to unambiguously eliminate illegal Internet gambling.

At the end of the day I have to live in my own skin, selling out to this degree is beyond my comprehension.

Call it politics and the way "it works" if that helps you sleep better at night.

Originally Posted by LT22

keep on fighting the good fight, but strengthening UIGEA is going to be in any bill that passes (or even has a CHANCE at passing).

I would gladly support repeal of UIGEA, fwiw, but it's just not gonna happen.

Originally Posted by mflawler10

You are focused on providing law enforcement with tools to shut down "illegal" sites? Or in other words clear the competition so Caesars/MGM can step in and dominate the market when legislation passes. I fail to see why supporting this would benefit any poker player.

For those who are against shutting down/blocking illegal sites - do you really want them around? Seriously.

I don't. Maybe "Strengthening UIGEA" is poor phrasing. Maybe "Clarifying UIGEA" would be better? Rewriting it so that it actually makes sense and it is clear as to what is and is not legal? We're probably all in favor of that!

It is a simple fact of life that eliminating existing options for poker players in the United States, and then allowing new companies (read: USA based) to enter the field, is most likely how any legislation will end up reading, in part. I for one certainly hope that whatever companies are allowed to have internet poker are allowed to have players from all over the world. That the sites aren't "USA players only".

In principle, I don't see a problem here. How it plays out in practice could be problematic - but let's give FairPlay more time to make their case!

Then, if they seem to be just a tool of a couple of big corporations - the heck with them. But, if they really want a good, legal, way for Americans to play poker - I say good for them! :-)

Lee

[FairPlayUSA]

Originally Posted by PokerXanadu
FairPlayUSA - Who are you? Are you a poker player? A regular 2+2 poster under a different username? A casino employee? Do you have a specific position in the new organization? Are you a member of the Board of Directors (who are the others, i.e. not the "Advisory Board")? A paid staff member?

Originally Posted by Lovesantiques

Excellent questions! I'm wondering the same things myself, as I'm sure a lot of us are.

FairPlayUSA - please let us know.

Thank you.

Lee

Hi. My name is Erin. I am a poker player and I'm a member of the new media team at FP. I am not a casino employee. I do have a personal 2P2 account under the name 'hoftie'. It's new, when I use that account you can always assume it's me and I will provide full disclosure that I'm with FP.

You should assume that posts from this account are coming from staff at FPUSA.

[DonkeyQuixote]

Originally Posted by rocketragz

Please don't let your ego's in the way when dealing with the individuals you are trying to help. I appreciate the hard work put forth by some of the PPA on these forums, but have lost touch with them as their ego's have gotten in the way. IMO

I did not ghost-write this post, but do concur.

This new Caesars/MGM/AGA front group is interested in pushing federal legislation, even though its reps claim they are not "lobbyists". All that means is they do not themselves meet and greet with Hill folks.

It is NOT a grassroots organization, unless or until it takes money and direction ONLY from players.

It is clear that the PPA cannot look to the same funders as the FPUSA for any support and maintain it is a "players alliance." This is make or break time for the PPA as a players' voice. It MUST turn to players for support and reorganize itself into a real grassroots group. It has no other choice if it is to survive.

[LetsGambool]

Originally Posted by Lovesantiques

For those who are against shutting down/blocking illegal sites - do you really want them around? Seriously.

I don't. Maybe "Strengthening UIGEA" is poor phrasing. Maybe "Clarifying UIGEA" would be better? Rewriting it so that it actually makes sense and it is clear as to what is and is not legal? We're probably all in favor of that!

It is a simple fact of life that eliminating existing options for poker players in the United States, and then allowing new companies (read: USA based) to enter the field, is most likely how any legislation will end up reading, in part. I for one certainly hope that whatever companies are allowed to have internet poker are allowed to have players from all over the world. That the sites aren't "USA players only".

In principle, I don't see a problem here. How it plays out in practice could be problematic - but let's give FairPlay more time to make their case!

Then, if they seem to be just a tool of a couple of big corporations - the heck with them. But, if they really want a good, legal, way for Americans to play poker - I say good for them! :-)

Lee

If this was a true Federal bill with no state opt-outs, it wouldnt be worth talking about.

In a world where the only access many players will have is unlicensed sites, its worth a conversation.