Floridian Martin Shapiro is an online poker fan determined to see the game legalised in his home state through an action group titled iPoker Florida, which he has founded.
The group’s website advises other Florida online poker fans that debate in the state legislature on gambling has opened a window of opportunity for the legalisation of online poker which should be seized.
Shapiro has actually drafted a legislative proposal to move his initiative forward, including within it practical protections for players and vulnerable or underage persons, and a regulatory structure that delivers a free and equitable state market devoid of negative political and vested interest interference.
It also makes provision for inter-state and even international collaboration to enhance player pool liquidity
Participation in the iPoker Florida action group is entirely voluntary, and a growing number of players have been offering their support and services, reaching out to state pari-mutuels and Internet poker networks to invite their involvement in moving the initiative to the state legislature.
The group has also been active on social media, and recently received a boost from the Poker Players Alliance, which familiarised the 40,000 Florida players on its books with the iPoker Florida initiative.
Shapiro holds the view that poker regulation and licensing should not be exclusive to any particular state group, vested interest or body, but should be based on strict criteria, fairly administered…and he has urged interested parties to participate in the process rather than oppose it, creating a California-style impasse.
Read about the initiative here: http://ipokerflorida.com/