Thursday Action Plan: Tell Venetian CEO Sheldon Adelson to stop trying to ban online poker!

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by River Donk

Yeah, that's great but I was hoping for a response from someone in the PPA that has been working with him on this that has some real information. TE stated yesterday about being ready if the bill came out Friday leading everyone to believe that there was some kind of info on that.

We now expect it next week. Everything is on track....that's just how Capitol Hill is sometimes.

[River Donk]

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

We now expect it next week. Everything is on track....that's just how Capitol Hill is sometimes.

That's great news. I know these things don't happen overnight but you sounded very optimistic in your post yesterday so it made me very optimistic as well. Thanks for everything that you guys are doing up there on The Hill and keep up the good work.

RD

[arkstfan]

I respect your initiative in creating a much needed bill regarding the regulation of online poker in the United States. Not only is the notion that tax paying citizens can be told how, where, and when to gamble with/spend there own money playing a game of skill ludicrous (especially when state funded lotteries which offer terrible odds air deceitful commercials targeted at problem gamblers); it is also a colossal waste of resources for the DOJ, or any government entity for that matter, to be worried about something as minute as poker.

There is no financial "black hole" created by online poker as alleged by the DOJ except for whatever corporate donations funded this. Obviously, they would know this, as they processed online poker transactions themselves for two whole years.

Here is a novel idea: How about the DOJ monitor terrorist finances from whatever medium they use instead of locking millions of Americans out of a game they love. I seriously doubt that any terrorist that poses a real threat to our country would decide that a poker site is the best way to launder money.

But then again we know this is really an issue of the rich getting richer; but I'll take any regulation I can get no matter how corrupt.

Lastly, politicians who support this bill will create a massive boost of support from the 18-25 male demographic that politicians are constantly trying to reach.


Felt good to let it out even if it is a little brazen. Will change the first sentence to I hope you support this.... for my state reps.

[rwperu34]

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

We now expect it next week. Everything is on track....that's just how Capitol Hill is sometimes.

If this were the bill, how long is the process from introduction to grinding?

[LastLife]

Originally Posted by rwperu34

If this were the bill, how long is the process from introduction to grinding?

Assuming it passes and doesn't die before the end of 2012 lame duck(would have to be reintroduced in 2013), there is no way of knowing. Depends on how much bipartisan support there is for it(GOP House and Dem Senate, so we have to have bipartisan support), how well the bill is written(does anything need to be changed?), will the opt-out or opt-in add extra time, are any poker studies going to be ordered, and of course will any individuals/committees hold it up? Then, there is no way of knowing how long it will take for regulations to be set up or even who will be allow to regulate.

Would be nice if it moves like the Patriot Act, but the government seems to take freedoms away much faster than they give them back.

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by rwperu34

If this were the bill, how long is the process from introduction to grinding?

If it passes, maybe nine to twelve months. I figure it will take a few months to work its way through the legislative process, then regulators will need time to spool up. Sites will need time to prepare as well.

We'll learn more as the bill is introduced and amended, of course.

[River Donk]

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

If it passes, maybe nine to twelve months. I figure it will take a few months to work its way through the legislative process, then regulators will need time to spool up. Sites will need time to prepare as well.

We'll learn more as the bill is introduced and amended, of course.

You also have to keep in mind that there are a number of groups that are set up and ready to enter the market immediately upon passing of legislation. These are people that are set up in the US already and are ready to go.

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by River Donk

You also have to keep in mind that there are a number of groups that are set up and ready to enter the market immediately upon passing of legislation. These are people that are set up in the US already and are ready to go.

They'll still have to get licensed, and the regulators will have to get up to speed to be ready to go as well. It's possible for that to happen in parallel to the bill working its way through Congress if it looks promising, of course, but that all remains to be seen.

[tbrick412]

With regards to state opt-outs since we know they are pretty much a lock, should we tell people about how you can play on sites like WorldWinner in most states and compare it to that? I am worried about my state (Nebraska) opting out.

[acecatcher26]

Just want to say thanks to The Engineer for all his hard work!

[72winner]

Originally Posted by AADYNASTY

Nevermind found it: http://www.congressionalpoker.org/Congress.html

When will this be updated with current congress? My rep and one of my senators are not current.

[Lrgetrout]

How about working on forcing your board members to get us back our money first?

[Uglyowl]

Originally Posted by Lrgetrout

How about working on forcing your board members to get us back our money first?

They are no longer board members. FWIW, they have been trying.

Also the facebook campaign of comments is slowly picking up steam I am proud of my fellow poker players right now.

[TheEngineer]

I just posted this:

Originally Posted by My post on the Energy and Commerce FB wall

I don't need big government to seek to ban online poker and I definitely don't need the watchful eye of the government on my activities inside my own home.

I met with my Congressman's staff earlier this week to ask for his support the upcoming bill by Rep. Barton licensing online poker. I ask that the entire committee support this important legislation.

Many other poker players are ensuring that they are being heard as well. We care, and we vote.

I hope we'll all post on these Facebook walls to let our lawmakers know where we stand. If you like the post I made, please "like" it at http://www.facebook.com/energyandcom...50261688056311. Thanks!

[aces_full1963]

Rich, I just want to thank you for all the work you are doing.