Online Poker Players Unite for Phone March on Washington

Monday - September 11, 2006
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – In July, the United States House of Representatives passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by an overwhelming margin, 317-93. Last week, the Senate resumed session after a three week recess and may discuss the bill, which would essentially eliminate the ability of Americans to gamble online in the United States. For online poker, a game of skill, this means suffering the same fate as sports betting, online blackjack, and other games of chance.

Pocket Fives, representing the voice of the online poker player, and the Poker Players Alliance have teamed up for a Phone March on Washington. With this effort, the groups hope to keep online poker alive in the United States.

From 9:00am ET to 5:30pm ET on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, concerned poker players, online gamblers, and anyone interested in seeing their personal freedoms protected should call 800-289-1136. Our toll free system will ask the caller to enter his or her zip code. They will then be connected, free of charge, to the appropriate Senators’ offices. “This is an easy way to send a message,” says Pocket Fives President Cal Spears. “If everyone voices their disapproval for this legislation on the same day, we will send a clear signal to the Senate that America does not support banning internet gambling.”

“The threat to poker is real. We need everyone possible to make their voice heard on September 12th from 9:00am to 5:30pm ET,” says Poker Players Alliance Spokesperson John Pappas. On pocket fives, callers can find a complete background on the bill itself, including a story concerning the arrest of Sportsbook.com CEO Peter Dicks. In addition, Pocket Fives also has talking points for the Phone March on Washington: “It is extremely important that we all send the same message to our Senators,” stresses Spears. “Please read the talking points on PocketFives.com before placing your call so that we are all have the same arguments. From there, your job is free and easy: just dial the 800 number and you will be connected directly to your Senators’ offices.”

Help Pocket Fives and the Poker Players Alliance preserve the right of an individual to have control over their own freedoms. “Please do not support this bill — it's an unnecessary and unjust infringement on our freedom,” says Pocket Fives Chief Editor Adam Small. “Visit Pocket Fives on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, and help us make the Phone March on Washington a success.” For all the details, please visit http://www.pocketfives.com.