PPA launches campaign against Commerce Casino

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) today launched a campaign called "Players Before Profits" and aimed to change Commerce Casino's position on federal licensing and regulation of online poker as proposed in Barney Frank's H.R. 2267 bill (Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act).

"Members of the PPA, and poker players nationwide, are outraged that the Commerce Casino, the largest poker room in the nation, opposes Federal legislation that would protect players' rights and access to online poker. They are angry and want to make their voices heard. The PPA's 'Players Before Profits' campaign gives poker players a vehicle to express their disappointment with Commerce Casino." said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA.

PPA's open letter to Commerce Casino counts with the support signatures from over 120 high-level poker advocates, including PPA state directors and professional poker players including poker legend Doyle Brunson, Full Tilt Poker sponsored pros Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Barry Greenstein and multiple World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Phil Hellmuth.

The Commerce Casino's opposition to federal licensing and regulation is a direct result of its desire to promote California-only licensing and regulation, and action that would create a monopoly market in which the property will serve as the main provider of online gaming services in the state. At the same time, intra-state licensing legislation means that state residents can only play on California sites, with other players in California, restricting the both the pool of available players and types of games available to California poker players.

The "Players Before Profits" campaign allows PPA members and all poker players to contact the Commerce Casino vian phone, e mail or social networks to express their disappointment and urge the organization to support H.R. 2267. Additionally, players can add their name to the open letter to outline the concerns of the players. Federal efforts to regulate Internet gaming has received support from several brick-and-mortar casinos – including those with no vested stake in online poker – and hopes to see others in the community to join the call to encourage Commerce Casino to support poker player rights.

"The poker community has been fighting tooth and nail for years for a safe, regulated online poker industry in the United States, and it is disheartening to see one of our own turn its back on this effort – and the safety of players – in order to maximize their own profits," continued Pappas. "I urge all poker players to contact Commerce Casino and express your disappointment."