We need EVERYONE in U.S. to sign this White House poker petition

[TheEngineer]

Thanks for the suggestions. Draft #2:

In many states, American citizens can play poker legally in card rooms, casinos, charity games, and even at the kitchen table with our loved ones. We ask that the U. S. government license lawful businesses to offer this same person-to-person game of skill and competition via the Internet. Legislation to authorize this – HR 2366, the Online Poker Act – has been introduced in Congress. It enjoys bipartisan support.

This is not a petition for licensing of video poker, a casino-style game where play is against the business (i.e., “the house”), or any other house-banked casino-style game of chance. Rather, we are petitioning for U.S. licensing of Internet poker sites to allow individuals to test their abilities against one another in a fair and regulated manner, in much the same way as chess players, bridge players, Scrabble players, backgammon players, gin rummy players, horse racing bettors, and fantasy football players are currently allowed to do under U.S. law.

Not only would this allow enhanced competition -- it would also put the U.S. in charge of safeguarding its citizens by mandating rigorous safeguards against underage participation and protections for those with excessive gaming habits while providing strong consumer protections that are not guaranteed in the current, unregulated marketplace. In addition to the benefits to the individual player, recent studies indicate this simple act would bring billions of dollars per year in extra revenue to the U. S. government without raising taxes, as well as create thousands of new jobs in the U.S.

Former Homeland Security Advisor Tom Ridge supports federal online poker licensing because it addresses control of cash flows, while WiredSafety concluded that "combining a thoughtful regulatory scheme with education, technology tools, and support appears to be the most effective means of handling the realities and risks" of online poker.

Licensed U.S.-based horse race wagering sites have proven that online betting sites can successfully implement strong consumer protections and create jobs and revenue. It is time to allow online poker the same opportunity.

[ganstaman]

I love this editing process!

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

Thanks for the suggestions. Draft #2:

...the current, unregulated marketplace...

Is this really true? I though the sites were regulated, just not by the US.

[sajeffe]

Originally Posted by PokerXanadu

Excellent work, TE! I suggest the following changes:

I liked PX's recommendations. Great job, Rich.

[sajeffe]

Originally Posted by ganstaman

I love this editing process!



Is this really true? I though the sites were regulated, just not by the US.

So, from our point of view (in the U.S.), they are not regulated.

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by PokerXanadu

Excellent work, TE!

Thanks PX!

I suggest the following changes:

Thanks for that. I made different changes that I think address the spirit of your comments.

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by sajeffe

So, from our point of view (in the U.S.), they are not regulated.

That's why I didn't mess with that part, but I still may (I'd prefer it to be precise).

[PokerXanadu]

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

Thanks PX!



Thanks for that. I made different changes that I think address the spirit of your comments.

Cool. Suggest now changing last paragraph to:

Licensed U.S.-based horse race wagering sites have proven that online betting sites can successfully implement strong consumer protections while creating American jobs and generating revenues for our government. It is time to allow online poker sites the same opportunity.

[sba9630]

Former Homeland Security Advisor* Tom Ridge...

Suggested edit:

Former Secretary of Homeland Security*, Governor, and Assistant District Attorney Tom Ridge...

*In January 2003 and after the passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Office of Homeland Security split into a Cabinet-level Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House Homeland Security Advisory Council. Ridge left the White House and became the first Secretary of Homeland Security.

[TheEngineer]

Thanks for the suggestions. Draft #3:

In many states, American citizens can play poker legally in card rooms, casinos, charity games, and even at the kitchen table with our loved ones. We ask that the U. S. government license lawful businesses to offer this same person-to-person game of skill and competition via the Internet. Legislation to authorize this – HR 2366, the Online Poker Act – has been introduced in Congress. It enjoys bipartisan support.

This is not a petition for licensing of video poker, a casino-style game where play is against the business (i.e., “the house”), or any other house-banked casino-style game of chance. Rather, we are petitioning for U.S. licensing of Internet poker sites to allow individuals to test their abilities against one another in a fair and regulated manner, in much the same way as chess players, bridge players, Scrabble players, backgammon players, gin rummy players, horse racing bettors, and fantasy football players are currently allowed to do under U.S. law.

Not only would this allow enhanced competition -- it would also put the U.S. in charge of safeguarding its citizens by mandating rigorous safeguards against underage participation and protections for those with excessive gaming habits while providing strong consumer protections. In addition to the benefits to the individual player, recent studies indicate this simple act would bring billions of dollars per year in extra revenue to the U. S. government without raising taxes, as well as create thousands of new jobs in the U.S.

Former Secretary of Homeland Security, Governor, and Assistant District Attorney Tom Ridge supports federal online poker licensing because it addresses control of cash flows, while WiredSafety concluded that "combining a thoughtful regulatory scheme with education, technology tools, and support appears to be the most effective means of handling the realities and risks" of online poker.

Licensed U.S.-based horse race wagering sites have proven that online betting sites can successfully implement strong consumer protections while creating American jobs and generating revenues for our government. It is time to allow online poker sites the same opportunity.

[Do it Right]

Small nitpick: This is not a petition for licensing of video poker, a casino-style game where play is against the business (i.e., “the house”), or any other house-banked casino-style game of chance. Rather, we are petitioning for U.S. licensing of Internet poker sites to allow individuals to test their abilities against one another in a fair and regulated manner, in much the same way as chess players, bridge players, Scrabble players, backgammon players, gin rummy players, horse racing bettors, and fantasy football players are currently allowed to do under U.S. law.

Is horse racing not currently played against the house/bookmakers?

[PokerXanadu]

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

Thanks for the suggestions. Draft #3:

Nailed it!

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by Do it Right

Small nitpick: This is not a petition for licensing of video poker, a casino-style game where play is against the business (i.e., “the house”), or any other house-banked casino-style game of chance. Rather, we are petitioning for U.S. licensing of Internet poker sites to allow individuals to test their abilities against one another in a fair and regulated manner, in much the same way as chess players, bridge players, Scrabble players, backgammon players, gin rummy players, horse racing bettors, and fantasy football players are currently allowed to do under U.S. law.

Is horse racing not currently played against the house/bookmakers?

It's parimutuel.

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by PokerXanadu

Nailed it!

Excellent! Thanks for the great work on this PX.

[acecatcher26]

Is there a time frame on when this can be submitted and start getting signatures?

[Go Get It]

Originally Posted by acecatcher26

Is there a time frame on when this can be submitted and start getting signatures?

The site has not yet started accepting proposals. I'm sure the day it does something will get posted we can all add our signature to.