Online Poker for USA

People that are in the movement to bring regulated online poker to the USA:

a. Know that poker is an American pastime.
b. Know that poker is a game of skill.
c. Believe that online poker should be regulated in the USA.
d. Know that regulated online poker in the USA would benefit its citizens and its government.

For regulated online poker to exist in the USA legislation has to be introduced and passed at the federal level. The UIGEA has to be amended. The fact that poker is a game of skill must be acknowledged by the legislative and executive branches.

The judiciary has already ruled that poker is a game of skill. In the federal court case William E. Baxter JR v. United States the court ruled in Baxter’s favor stating that “it was Baxter’s extraordinary poker skills which generated his substantial gaming income”.

Because of this ruling, in the USA, Baxter’s and other professional poker players’ income is classified as earned income. It is impossible to make a rational argument that poker is not a game of skill.

In order for there to be regulated online poker in the USA the poker industry and the poker community must work together and be productive in three areas.

1. Make direct contact with members of Congress-

Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government. The members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are the people that have the power to make laws in the USA. It is their job to represent their constituents. It is our job to help them understand what our interests are. The truth is on our side. Meeting with these 535 people face to face in order to present them with honest and relevant information is essential to this cause.

Goal- Have representatives of the movement for regulated online poker in the USA meet with every member of Congress before WSOP 2018.

2. Create content that promotes the regulation of online poker-

Regulating online poker in the USA will benefit millions of this country’s citizens, its government, and its economy. Content that promotes the regulation of online poker will help inform the general public. Raising awareness through the creation of content will give this issue national attention. Providing the public with honest information about this cause will help people outside of poker understand what the movement is trying to accomplish.

Goal- Inspire the poker industry and the poker community to create content for the regulation of online poker.

3. Create a draft of legislation for regulated online poker in the USA-

Creating a draft of possible legislation for the regulation of online poker will have a positive effect on this issue. It will be the starting point for actual legislation and will be improved over time. The movement for regulated online poker will share the draft of legislation with Congress. It will provide them with a baseline and they may choose to use some of its wording in actual legislation.

Goal- Find people in the movement that are willing and able to create a draft of legislation for regulated online poker. Share the draft with members of Congress before WSOP 2018.