Voice your Concerns about CA Internet Poker Monopoly!
Happy New Year! The Poker Players Alliance – your advocate for poker rights – is already working hard to make 2010 a banner year for our community. We look forward to your continued support and want to update you on some developments in California. As we told you last year, efforts are underway to establish licensed and regulated intra-state Internet poker in California. While a bill has not been formally filed with the California Legislature, the PPA has reviewed the proposal and we are concerned about what it means for you as a poker player and a consumer.
Below you will find some background on the proposal. We hope that you’ll take a few moments to review this information and then let your state lawmaker know that you are concerned, too, by sending them an email.
Background
First, what does “intra-state” poker mean? Today, when you play online poker you compete with other individuals from across the United States and the world. Essentially you are part of a multi-million person global network of poker players. Under the “intra-state” model being pushed in California, your play would be limited to only other California residents. Ultimately, this means fewer players, fewer games, fewer stakes/limits and less opportunity for you to play poker how you want, when you want.
Of greater concern, however, is the idea that the intra-state poker model being discussed would eliminate the various Internet poker brand-names you know and play with today and replace them with a sole provider of Internet poker in California (at best there would be two provider platforms). So, not only would you have less people to test your poker skills against, but you would be forced to play on only one Website or platform. From a consumer standpoint this is a definite step in the wrong direction. It limits choice, destroys the competitive marketplace and dramatically reduces the need to provide player incentives like rake-backs and bonuses.
To be clear, the PPA does not oppose state-based licensing and regulation of Internet poker. We strongly believe that a regulated marketplace will provide a better experience for the Internet player. In fact, that is why we have invested so much time and so many resources to push the U.S. Congress to enact a sensible federal policy of licensing and regulation. We are concerned, however, when state proposals, like the one being contemplated in California, seek to cut Internet players off from the rest of the world and limit their choice in the marketplace.
What You Can Do!
Poker players must let their elected officials know where they stand. Your state Senator, Sen. Tom Harman serves on the Governmental Organization Committee. On February 9th, that Committee will hold a hearing about the efforts to license and regulate intra-state Internet poker. Please take two actions today:
1) click on the button below and send an email to Sen. Tom Harman
2) call Sen. Tom Harman at (714) 957-4555 and tell him/her:
• I am a poker player and a voter in your district.
• I am concerned about California Internet poker legislation that would limit my online choices and create an Internet poker monopoly.
• Please work with our state’s federal delegation to support efforts in Congress to license and regulate Internet poker and protect my rights as a consumer.
• Thank you for considering my views.
Please let the PPA know how your call went by filling out this brief feedback form.
Thank you again for standing up for your poker rights in California. The PPA will be closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed as it progresses. In the meantime, we have established a California question email inbox so we can better serve you. If you have a question or comment about the prospects of intra-state poker in CA send it to: PPACALinfo@theppa.org.
Proud to play,
Steven Miller, California State Director
Poker Players Alliance
So I did what any self-respecting internet poker player would do, and called Tom Harman’s number to voice my outrage (so to speak). I ended up speaking with one of his staff, who seemed on the youngish side and indicated he was an internet poker player as well. Long story short, I think I effectively got the point across.
But I then left without setting the damned DVR. I’ve heard a rumour that you can do this remotely via the internet, but I have no idea how to accomplish that. So it looks like I’m going to miss the Islander game tonight.
Anyway… last night’s session resulted in my being all-in only twice, each time with KK vs. AA. I lost a full stack on one after all the money went in preflop, but won 122bb on the other after my opponent slowplayed his aces preflop and I spiked a set. My next two largest losses were mental errors, to a certain extent. I lost 61bb when I tried to run a three-barrell bluff in a blind vs. blind battle against what turned out to be pocket aces (the aces didn't raise at any time during the hand), and I lost 53bb when I didn't bet enough on the turn to protect my trip aces, after which my opponent rivered a flush and got me to call what I hoped was a bluff (or at least a bet with an inferior ace). So I don't feel like I was at my best, but still came through with an 8.81 bb/100 session.
Bankroll: $14,563.94
Session: 1407 hands; up $123.95; EV: $148.79
Month To Date: up $1,877; 6.03 bb/100
