PPA Chairman Alfonse D’Amato Testimony Before Senate Committee re: Internet Poker

Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, Chairman of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on the future of online gaming and its potential impact on Indian tribes.

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Oversight Hearing on the Future of Internet Gaming Witness List: Starts 2:15 Nov 17, 2011

The Oversight Hearing on the Future of Internet Gaming:  What’s at Stake for Tribes? Witness list appears below.

This is a critical hearing that will take place in the Senate.  The Indian Tribes are among the most powerful lobbying groups in DC and they absolutely require appeasement if legalized Internet poker is going to happen in the US.

Already in California, we have seen the Tribes accept the inevitable and soften their stand to work more closely with parties seeking regulation.

 

Submitted by C Costigan on,

US Presidential Hopeful Ron Paul Polling 2nd in Iowa (Video)

GOP hopeful and someone who has vehemently pushed for legalized online gambling in the US over recent years, Ron Paul, is polling 2nd in Iowa after Herman Cain.  This isn’t a distant second, it’s extremely close.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on,

Spencer Bachus: 60 Minutes Segment a Hit Job

Alabama Republican Congressman and strong advocate for online gambling prohibition, Spencer Bachus, denied he engaged in any form of “insider trading”.  He called a “60 Minutes” segment that suggested otherwise “a hit job”.

The segment aired on Sunday.  The reporting was based on a book by conservative author Peter Schweizer called “Throw Them All Out.” Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, was alleged to have traded stocks after he was told by Treasury officials in September of 2008 of the impending financial meltdown.

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Bachus Back Against The Wall: "I'm not Going to Let People Distort What I Do.”

While much of the attention on an “insider trading” scandal in the Congress has focused on Alabama Republican Spencer Bachus (perhaps rightfully so), this ardent supporter of online gambling prohibition wasn’t exactly alone in his craftiness.

Both Speaker John Boehner and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also have egg on their respective faces right now following the airing of a “60 Minutes” piece this past Sunday.

From Investment U:  

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on,

Two Hearings on Internet Poker Scheduled for This Week

It’s a busy week for the Internet poker sector as two hearings will be held in Washington regarding the legalization and regulation of the activity in the USA.  A previous hearing took place last month.

Thursday November 17 there will be a Senate Committee hearing that will focus exclusively on Indian affairs called “The Future of Internet Gaming, What’s at Stake for Tribes?”

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Calls for Spencer Bachus Resignation Following 60 Minutes Insider Trading Report (Video)

He is the most outspoken critic of legalized online gambling while remaining mostly silent on more serious issues like Wall Street insider trading.  Now we might know why he has avoided delving into the later subject.

There is a public outcry for the resignation of Alabama Republican Congressman Spencer Bachus following a 60 Minutes report that aired this past Sunday linking him to the receipt of nonpublic information as a means of gaining an edge in the stock market (a la “insider trading”).

Submitted by Alejandro Botticelli on,

Newt Gingrich Latest Odds to get GOP Nomination

Newt Gingrich has shot up the polls and is trailing just behind Mitt Romney in recent polls.  The surge has accompanied Herman Cain’s drop in the polls after a handful of women alleged sexual harassment during the late 1990’s while Cain headed up the National Restaurant Association. 

Gingrich still had some value at 4/1 odds at Sportsbook.com, which allows for wagering on the Internet.

Submitted by Aaron Goldstein on,

Follow Up Hearing On Internet Poker Scheduled

The US Government is inching closer to legalizing Internet poker as a follow up hearing has just been scheduled for November 18.  Once again, the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade will oversee the hearing. A list of speakers is yet to be finalized.

Last month’s hearing focused mostly on the pros of online poker with concerns expressed over Indian gaming sovereignty, under aged gambling and collusion in card rooms, specifically how to prevent so-called “bots”.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Herman Cain at 5 to 1 Odds Despite Sharon Bialek Accusations

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New Amendments for Nevada Online Poker Released

In anticipation for legalized online poker in the state of Nevada, regulators released new draft amendments that include the ability for operators to cover funds in the event of a shutdown.

The agreement calls for a “federally-insured financial institute” to hold a reserve.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Rick Perry Hates Gambling But Bets World Series

Texas Governor and Republican Presidential candidate Rick Perry, who has repeatedly said he is against all forms of gambling, has been telling what's known in Texas as a tall tale.

A tall tale--a polite way to say a lie--about gambling, no less.

Gambling911.com, as part of its continuing series on how the Presidential candidates stand on gambling issues, last month reported how Perry, during his tenure as governor of Texas, has opposed the expansion of gambling at every turn in the Lone Star State.

Submitted by Thomas Somach on,

Alfonse D’Amato Distances Himself From Full Tilt Poker

It’s no secret to those who have covered the online poker industry for the past couple of years that Full Tilt Poker was a major contributor to the Poker Players Alliance, a grass roots organization chaired by former New York Senator Alfonse D’Amato. 

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Bipartisanship in the Congress It’s Happening With Online Poker Debate

For those of you looking for bipartisanship in Congress, look no further than the debate over legalization of online poker in the US.

Tuesday morning featured a hearing in the .S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee for Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade to discuss the issue and listen to witness testimony.  Legalized Internet poker is expected to bring billions of dollars to a troubled US economy and members from both sides of the aisle tend to agree. 

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Age Verification, Bots and Native American Sovereignty Discussed at Online Poker Hearing

Much of the discussion during a highly anticipated House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on legalized Internet poker in the United States focused on underage gamble and how to prevent cheating online.

Parry Aftab, Board of Advisors Chairman for FairPlayUSA, and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Florida) noted that tools were in place to help curb underage gambling though many on the panel admitted nothing is fool proof. 

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Subcommittee Hearing for Legalized Internet Poker Live

As promised the live stream for Tuesday morning’s Subcommittee hearing to legalize Internet poker in the US is available here.

Among those testifying, former Republican New York Senator and Poker Players Alliance Chairman Alfonse D’Amato and Texas Republican Congressman Joe Barton, who has presented the bill to regulate and license online poker in the States.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Live Streaming Video Expected for Internet Poker Hearing

For those Gambling911.com readers looking to watch the Tuesday October 25, 2011 subcommittee hearing on Internet poker legalization, the House Energy and Commerce Committee website was expected to have a live video streaming link up top at the start of the hearing 10:30 am EST.

 

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Mormon Church Hates Gambling: Mormon Politics Does Not

Two of the contenders for the Republican nomination for President of the United States are members of the Mormon religion: former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and former Utah governor Jon Huntsman.

Other top American politicians are also Mormons, including Harry Reid, a Democrat who is a U.S. senator from Nevada and the Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate.

With Mormons in such positions of political power, Gambling911.com readers might be wondering just what is the Mormon position on gambling?

The short answer: they're against it.

Submitted by Thomas Somach on,

PPA Head Alfonse D’Amato to Testify Before House Subcommittee Tuesday re: Online Poker

Former New York Senator and Poker Players Alliance Chairman Alfonse D’Amato is scheduled to testify on Tuesday (October 25, 2011) before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on the need to establish federal licensing and regulation of online poker.  The hearing was announced last week and kicks off at 10:30 am EDT. 

Texas Republican Congressman Joe Barton’s Online Poker Act of 2011 will be discussed during this hearing and witnesses will be brought forward.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Poll Shows New Jersey Residents Would Overwhelmingly Approve Sports Betting

If the election were held today, an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution allowing gambling on sporting events in Atlantic City casinos and at the state's race tracks would easily win approval, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released Wednesday.

Rutgers-Eagleton Poll results: NJ sports betting vote

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Billionaire Banker, High Stakes Poker Player Andy Beal a Ron Paul Supporter

Billionaire banker Andy Beal has contributed $2500 to the US Presidential campaign of Texas Congressman Ron Paul, Gambling911.com has learned.  Beal is also a high stakes poker player.

Paul, who is running against the likes of Mitt Romney, Michele Bachman and Rick Perry to win the GOP nomination, has long been a staunch advocate of legalized Internet gambling in the US.

Submitted by Ace King on,

Hearing on Internet Poker to be Held in DC Next Week

The U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee for Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade is scheduled to hold a hearing on Internet poker next Tuesday, October 25, 2011.  Texas Republican Congressman Joe Barton’s Online Poker Act of 2011 will be discussed during this hearing and witnesses will be brought forward.

The Poker Players Alliance, which revealed the upcoming hearing, will be meeting with members of the subcommittee and various staff members.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Another President Bush: Jeb Hates Gambling (Sometimes)

Bush for President?

No, not that one.

He served two terms and can't serve any more.

And not his father either, who served one term and then was kicked out of office by the voters.

The Bush who's generating some political buzz on the presidential front these days is none other than the "other" Bush--Jeb Bush--who served as governor of Florida from 1998-2006 and is the 43rd President's older brother and the 41st President's son.

Submitted by Thomas Somach on,

Politico.com: Unlikely Duo Working on Internet Poker Measure for Subcommittee

Ultra conservative Republican Joe Barton and Liberal Barney Frank are working on a bill that would legalize Internet poker.  They are in the process of presenting their measure to a subcommittee in charge of slashing the deficit.

Ironically, a member of this chosen subcommittee is none other than Jon Kyl, the Republican outgoing Senator from Arizona who authored the current online gambling prohibition.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Black This Out Ron Paul Money Bomb October 19

With Ron Paul running for US President once again, the fine folks assisting with his campaign and various grass roots efforts will be working with Gambling911.com to deliver all the latest news.

Ron Paul, the long time Republican Congressman from Texas, has given a number of interviews to Gambling911.com.  While not an active supporter of gambling per se, Dr. Paul is very much in favor of legalized online poker as a right of US citizens and has actually co-sponsored bills in the past along with Democrat Barney Frank. 

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Marco Rubio as Vice-President: A Bad Bet for All Concerned

Regardless of who wins the Republican nomination for President of the United States, the most talked about name for Vice-President on the G.O.P. ticket is Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

Rubio, 40, from suburban Miami, started his political career as a local legislator, serving as a Miami City Commissioner.

He then moved up to the state legislature, serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives and eventually rising to the post of Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

In 2010 he was elected to the U.S. Senate.

Submitted by Thomas Somach on,

53 Percent of California Residents Would Vote for Legalized Online Poker

A poll conducted last month revealed that 53 percent of California voters would side with legalizing online poker.  The state legislators were forced to can a vote on legalizing the activity after it was determined there would not be enough time on the current year calendar for a vote.

State Sen. Lou Correa, who sponsored the legislation, explained the benefits of having California as a hub for Internet poker.

"In terms of the revenue potential for California, it could be explosive. What we need to do now is cut a deal."

- Ace King, Gambling911.com

Submitted by Ace King on,

Online Poker White House Petition Meets Goal in Less Than One Week

The Obama Administration asked those with ideas to boost the US economy to take part in a petition drive.  Any petition with 5000 signatures would automatically be reviewed by the White House for inclusion in an upcoming jobs bill. 

Well, in under a week (3 days to be exact), those 5000 signatures were gathered.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Chris Christie Confirms He Won’t Be Running

Despite the GOP’s pressure to get New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to join the race to run for US President, Christie confirmed once again he will not be running. 

Fox News broke the story Tuesday afternoon.

The GOP has expressed concerns over the current pool of candidates, in particular Texas Governor Rick Perry, who was widely panned for his performance at last week’s Republican debate.

Submitted by C Costigan on,

Why New Jersey Needs Legalized Sports Betting

Following today's public hearing of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, Chairman Jim Whelan emphasized the importance of authorizing sports wagering for the New Jersey's gaming industry.

     

Submitted by on,

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