Poker Players Alliance Rallies to Fight MA Poker Law

The rally was to express the PPA's strong opposition to Governor Deval Patrick's controversial new gambling legislation that would essentially legalize casino gambling in the state but would make internet wagering a crime punishable by law.

A certain provision in Deval's new law would make it illegal for players to play poker from their own home and they could face up to two years in prison if caught doing so. Ironically, it would not be a crime to enter a physical land-based casino and play endless hands of poker there.

The Massachusetts State Director for the Poker Players Alliance, Randy Castonguay said in response to the bill: "In the case of the online poker ban in the Governor's casino bill, making criminals out of adults who choose this form of skilled recreation makes no sense. We urge members of the committee and state legislature to recognize the unfairness of this provision and remove it from the bill in order to protect the right of thousands of their constituents to enjoy this game of skill - whether online or at a game table."

The Poker Players Alliance is particularly concerned about the fact that an entire part of the gambling population will not be able to benefit from the new gambling laws because of the provision in the new legislation. Many players are not able to physically make their way to a casino, whether due to illness, old age or immobility. Fining or imprisoning these players who are simply taking advantage of technology to do what other citizens of the state are entitled to do by law is considered unfair, to say the very least.