Poker players’ lobbying group, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), has lashed out at Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney declaring he’s not properly educated on internet poker legislation. The group’s denouncement came after Romney said in an interview with 8newsnow that he “doesn’t support legalising online gaming” because of “the social costs and people’s addictive gambling habits”.
PPA’s Executive Director, John Pappas, said in a statement to Poker site PoketFives that “Governor Romney’s statement seems to be based on a misperception of regulation and the status quo.”
With Romney recently winning the Nevada’s vote by a 70% landslide – heading Republican runner Newt Gingrich (23%), who is also opposed to online gambling, and poker player favourite Texas Congressman Ron Paul (19%) – he has now become Republican challenger for President Barack Obama in the November election (much to the dread of gamblers hoping to see the legalising of online wagering). Unfortunately for poker players, the results demonstrate it’s quite unlikely the industry’s champion, Ron Paul, could get the vote – it would make more sense for voters to stick with poker-neutral Democrat Obama.
Nevertheless, PPA Executive Vice President of Player Relations, Rich Muny, further supported the group’s argument that Romney isn’t fit for the job, stating: “I believe Romney has it wrong here. Licensing and regulation will ensure that age verification measures are implemented, consumer protections are provided, and protections for those with excessive gaming habits are mandated. Current law does not provide any protections for anyone.”
As a result, the PPA has now insisted poker players make use of their Twitter and Facebook accounts and make their issues known to U.S. presidential candidates Romney and Santorum. Will you be using social media to make your voice be heard?
