PPA Not Fazed By Massachusetts Online Poker Ban
23rd September, 2009
It has been reported on eGaming Review that the PPA (Poker Players Alliance) in the USA will seek an online poker initiative in the ballot in other US states, despite its recent failure last week in Massachusetts.
The lobbyists petition that included an initiative for the Massachusetts ballot for 2010 which would legalise online poker websites within state borders, enabling the state to collect 5% of deposits was rejected by Martha Coakly, Massachusetts General Attorney. She argued that the wording of the petition wouldn’t force payment processors to pay 5% to the state.
Although, John Pappas, PPA executive director is not fazed by the bar in Massachusetts, where Coakly is strongly against any form of online gambling and whose views are higher than in other states, and will continue to pursue similar initiatives in different states.
“The way they were structuring it in Massachusetts made a lot of sense. We are continuing to work vigorously on the federal level, but as the opportunities arise at the state level, we will seize on those as and when they make sense.” Said Executive director, Pappas.
He continued that the PPA’s model will allow residents to play online poker in a recognized jurisdiction as long as they use a state licensed payment processor. This would be suitable for states that don’t have the population to support an intra state network as proposed in larger states such as California.
“We thought it was the best way we could get online poker licensed and regulated and for the state to collect the revenue, while not limiting the benefits to states with sufficient population to support an intrastate network,” said Pappas.
By Faye
