Few will deny that the privately-funded Poker Players Alliance has been an energetic defender and supporter of online poker for the past decade or more, building contacts in Washington and individual state capitals, organising campaigns and communicating continually with the player community.
Unfortunately, it appears that some contributors do not have the stamina to stay in this long-running fight for the game, and the PPA has been canvassing for funds on social media and the poker forums.
Consider the sort of opposition the Alliance is up against from self-interested organisations like the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.
The PPA frequently counters the often spurious arguments against online poker pumped out by this outfit, which is reportedly funded generously by land casino multi-billionaire Sheldon Adelson, who has also financially backs expensive PR, political donation and lobbying campaigns aimed at outlawing online gambling.
Rich Muny, the PPA Vice President of Player Relations, recently wrote in TwoPlusTwo Magazine:
“A critical factor to winning the poker fight is through your financial support. We may have a billionaire fighting us, but the numbers are on our side. If you can make even a small contribution to PPA, you can help ensure our ability as a community to continue taking the fight to Adelson and his minions on Capitol Hill.”
PokerStars has been a consistent backer, which does not suit everyone but helps to keep the Washington office and its small staff effective.
Founded in 2005, the PPA is a not-for-profit action group that has grown to over a million members with the mission statement:
“To establish favorable laws that provide American poker players with a secure, safe and regulated place to play one of America’s oldest past times. Through education and awareness efforts aimed at policymakers, the media and the public, the PPA will keep this game of skill free from egregious government intervention and misguided laws.”