Poker Pro Greg Raymer Defends His Decision to Join Forces with FairPlayUSA

Poker pro Greg “Fossilman” Raymer took some flack for joining the Board of Advisors of a new grassroots organization looking to promote the need for legalized online poker in the United States, FairPlayUSA.

The organization took some heat within the player community for presenting itself as an independent organization when in essence the group is funded by MGM and Caesar’s to help boost their own cause.

Some say that’s self-serving while others suggest that MGM has played an active role in demonizing the online poker industry as it stands today. 

“Down the round if there was a conflict between what is best for these companies and what is best for the players that might be a concern,” said Raymer, who is unpaid for his position with FairPlayUSA. “However, I was convinced that the interests of the players and the interests of the people starting this organization are aligned, at least at this point in time.” According to Raymer, the group is looking to other brick-and-mortar casinos to join. “This isn’t just about [Caesars and MGM],” he added.

The initial members of its advisory board include Tom Ridge, the former Governor of Pennsylvania and first Secretary of Homeland Security; Parry Aftab, an Internet safety expert; and 2004 World Series of Poker main event champion Greg Raymer. The group is headed by Executive Director Marisa McNee.

Raymer also serves on the board of the Poker Players Alliance, which itself came under fire for aligning itself too closely with indicted online poker companies, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com