The threat that amendments to the federal Australian Interactive Gaming Act aimed at stopping in-play action could spill over into an online poker ban has motivated Aussie players to form an action group in support of the game.
Titled Australian Online Poker Alliance, the group membership has reportedly grown rapidly in just a month since its formation via the popular 2+2 poker forum, and is loosely based on the successful US equivalent, the Poker Players Alliance.
Like the PPA, the AOPA is urging its members to mobilise and contact their political representatives to voice their opinion that online poker should not be included in any IGA Amendment banning provisions, and indeed should be specifically excluded from the bill’s mandate.
The new body is providing members with ideas, sources and templates through which they can make their voices heard, including petitions, social media activity and political contact actions.
Membership has reportedly already passed the 1,600 mark, with high profile Aussie players like WSOP champ Joe Hachem giving his support and pointing out that whilst online poker is being targeted by the legislation, sports and horse race betting is freely available to his countrymen.