Poker Players Alliance (PPA) Goes to Washington Gets New Exec Director

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), headquartered in San Francisco, is relocating its headquarters to Washington D.C. in the coming weeks and is getting new leadership as John Pappas becomes Executive Director whilst President Michael Bolcerek steps down to remain in the Bay Area to pursue other opportunities.

Former New York Senator Alfonse D'Amato will continue to serve as Chairman of the PPA.

The PPA announced their move to Washington D.C. yesterday saying it will better position them to continue the fight to legalize online poker and protect the rights of players.

"It is vital that the PPA centralize its efforts in D.C. so we can best serve the interests of our over 660,000 members," former Senator Alfonse D'Amato stressed in the PPA release.

Recognizing Bolcerek's many contributions, D'Amato said, "Michael has been a strong leader and under his tenure we have seen tremendous growth in PPA. We are thankful that he has brought us to this point and are excited for the next evolution of this organization in Washington."

Bolcerek said that it was the right time for him to step down as part of the PPA move, saying, "I am happy to have helped the cause of American poker players and expect to see continued success from the efforts of Senator D'Amato and our new Executive Director, John Pappas."

Pappas recently became full-time Vice President of PPA's government affairs, having previously worked with the Alliance as an external consultant since 2005. For more about the new Executive Director - John Pappas, click here.

LEGISLATION AFFECTING POKER

As legislation to regulate online poker continues to strengthen, so has the need for the PPA to concentrate efforts in Washington where the organization can respond quickly and effectively to federal legislative activities.

Support in Washington continues to grow for legislative proposals to clarify U.S. laws affecting both Internet poker and online gambling, including:

TAX DON'T BAN WEB GAMBLING

Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) and Rep. Pete King (R-NY) published an engaging editorial 14 August in the NewYork Post outlining why they are such staunch supporters to cerate "a regulatory framework that ensures operators are licensed and protects consumers against underage gambling, compulsive gambling, money-laundering, identity theft and fraud" instead of banning it which creates the very situations it seeks to prevent.

The article, titled "Web Gambling: Tax, Don't Ban", helps readers understand whey these two Long Island Congressmen were original co-signers of Barney Frank's Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA), HR 2046.

ABOUT PPA

The PPA is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game, ensure its integrity, and, most importantly, to protect poker players' rights.

The PPA will make a formal announcement with new contact information once the transition is completed. Meantime, continue to direct any inquires to the PPA's San Francisco office, (415) 975-0897 voice, (415) 975-0902 fax, or visit their website at www.pokerplayersalliance.org.

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