By Alexis Russell

08/26/2008

As a poker tournament is featured as a charity event at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the Republican Party has made it clear their view of the sport is much different.  The Republican Party Platform Committee is using the internet as a way to voice their opinion about online poker, which isn't a favorable one, and they're wanting others to do the same.

                The Republican Platform Committee, via their website www.gopplatform2008.com, has made it possible for citizens to comment on the platforms and policies that the party is supporting this presidential election and will be solidifying at next week’s Republican National Convention.  Online Poker players will be interested in one part of the platform.  Namely, the platform that opposes internet gambling as they stated as such;  

"Millions of Americans suffer from problem or pathological gambling that can destroy families. We support legislation prohibiting gambling over the Internet or in student athletics by student athletes who are participating in competitive sports."

                This is right in line with the GOP that passed 2006’s Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act limiting poker rooms that could accept real money U.S. players online.  Obviously they don’t think we can make responsible decisions for ourselves so they need to make them for us.  However, it is odd that the Republican National Convention will also feature a charity poker event, but this time co-sponsored by the American Gaming Association as well.

                That’s a bit of a confusing mixed signal to the opposition they’ve had with internet gambling that began long before the 2006 Act.  Language in opposition to online gambling was first introduced to the Republican platform in 2000 and then again in 2004.

                However, unlike the past this election there is an organized voice against such a platform.  The Poker Players Alliance is helping get the word out to players everywhere and encouraging them to visit the Republican site to back online gambling and their freedom of choice.  Both poker pros and online players alike have already begun banding together to hopefully avoid another UIGEA.