Americas Independent Movement

As you may have heard, efforts are underway to establish licensed and regulated intra-state Internet poker in Florida. On Friday, February 26, 2010, Florida State Representative Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington) introduced HB 1441, Internet Poker Consumer Protection & Revenue Generation Act of 2010, a bill to create a state-authorized monopoly for operating an intra-state Internet poker network. The PPA has reviewed this bill and we are concerned about what it means for you as a poker player in Florida.

Below you will find some background on the proposal. We hope that you’ll take a few moments to review this information and then call, as well as e-mail, your state lawmakers to let them know that you are concerned about this legislation.

Background

First, what does “intra-state” poker mean? Today, when you play online poker you compete with other players from across the United States and the world. Essentially, you are part of a global network of millions of poker players. Under Florida bill HB 1441, your access would become limited to poker games only with other Florida residents. Ultimately, this means fewer players, fewer games, fewer stakes/limits and less opportunity for you to play poker how you want, when you want.

Of equal concern, HB 1441 would seek to eliminate play on the various Internet poker brand-names you know and play with today and replace them with a state-controlled monopoly provider of Internet poker in Florida. So, not only would you have less players to test your poker skills against, but you would be forced to play on the state-sanctioned, Florida-only, poker network. From a consumer standpoint this is a definite step in the wrong direction: it limits choice, destroys the competitive marketplace and dramatically reduces the need to provide player incentives like rakeback and bonuses.

To be clear, the PPA does not oppose State-based licensing and regulation of Internet poker. We strongly believe that a regulated marketplace will provide a better experience for the Internet player. In fact, that is why we have invested so much time and so many resources to push the U.S. Congress to enact a sensible federal policy of licensing and regulation. We are concerned, however, when state proposals like the one being contemplated in Florida seek to cut Internet players off from the rest of the world and limit their choice in the marketplace.

What You Can Do!

Florida poker players must let their elected officials know where they stand. Please take these two very important actions now by calling and emailing your state House Representative