Poker Players Alliance Approaches 500,000 Members

Just four short months ago, the Poker Players Alliance had around 120,000 members. Now they are rapidly approaching the prestigious 500,000-members mark.

So why the huge jump? Well, several things have factored into the group’s newfound popularity. First off, there’s the outrage over the U.S. government’s arrest of Internet gambling executives and the seizure of millions of dollars in funds. The appointment of former Senator Alfonse D’Amato as the chairman of the board has also added credibility to the organization, and let’s not forget about the freerolls from PokerStars which automatically registered players as members.

Linda Killian, Director of the Boston University Washington Journalism Center, believes that the addition of D’Amato is the key ingredient.

“Former administration members and Congressman are at the top of the lobby pyramid,” she said. “They spend three to five years in the capital, build up a wealth of connections, and instantly they become very valuable as a lobbyist.”

But money is also very important to the success of the group. Last year, the PPA spent $560,000 in lobbying efforts, which equals an increase of 100% over the previous year (for more detailed info, take a look at the excellent open secrets.org). According to Killian, “People on Capitol Hill respond to two things, money and votes.”

But despite the large amount of money that the gambling money is pumping into lobbying efforts, the most effective tool for change may be the average person. According to Massie Ritsch, Communications Director for the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington D.C., “Certain members of Congress will pay attention and be impressed by the membership number alone. But most are savvy enough to see when it's really an industry behind the effort. When it comes down to it, will one of these online poker players be willing to put in the effort to write a letter or come to Washington? Will they be willing to skim some of their winnings to make a contribution? If they do, who knows, there may be an election or two that swings on a candidate's online gaming position. But online poker players have not established themselves as an influential group the way senior citizens, gun rights, and abortion opponents have."
"In the end, it comes down to how much the members are willing to do.”

So if you’re not already a member of the Poker Players Alliance, now’s the time to become one. And if you are a member, take a little time out of your week and write a letter or phone a politician. Your actions could make all the difference.

For more on the PPA, take a look at the following articles:

D’Amato and Lederer Speak on PPA

Alfonse D’Amato Becomes Chairman of PPA

Poker Players Alliance Approaches 500,000 Members