Poker Superstars
Phil Hellmuth
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Gambling Bill Poker Protest in Boston |
 Yesterday morning, a group of more than 30 poker players gathered outside Boston Common in front of the State House in demonstration against a proposed bill that would incur heavy penalties against people “caught” playing online poker in the state of Massachusetts. The protest was organized by the MA chapter of the Poker Players’ Alliance and Harvard’s Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society.
The proposed bill is aimed to penalize people who involved themselves in online gambling of any form. Charges could result in as much as two years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
This initiative is a part of a dual effort on the part of MA Governor Deval Patrick, who wants to simultaneously grant three licenses for new casinos in the state of MA, while simultaneously prosecuting those who choose to gamble online.
This protest took place an hour before a scheduled public hearing on the bill.
“I would say that that we’re very optimistic. We’ve had assurances from the Governor’s office and from various members of the legislator that this particular provision isn’t a high priority for them,” said Andrew Woods, executive director of the GPSTS. “It seems to be that there’s some confusion as to why it’s there. And I think the general consensus is that the provision itself is ludicrous."
The founder of the GPSTS, Harvard professor Charles Nesson, who also recently appeared on the Colbert Report, spoke to the gathered crowd of 30-40 players. MA’s PPA director Randy Castonguay also spoke.
“Essentially everyone in the state of Massachusetts with any particularly interest in this bill is expected to testify today, so we expect it to go well into the night,” Woods said. “We’re just very pleased to be part of the democratic process.”
The crowd, who began chanting “now is the time, poker is not a crime,” also donned bright red “poker is not a crime” shirts which were brought and distributed by the PPA.
No word as yet as to the resolutions of the hearing.
March 19, 2008 |
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