The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) presented a series of arguments in favor to the legalization of online poker in a hearing held by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. The leading poker grassroots advocacy group counts with more than one million members across the U.S and more than 25,000 in the state of Massachusetts.

"Sadly, while the game of poker has evolved, the way politicians think about it has not. As this Committee discusses the pros and cons of regulating expanded gaming in our Commonwealth, it would also be appropriate to consider the existing Internet poker play that is occurring today without any state oversight or control. Regulation of Internet poker is not expansion of gambling, it is simply the responsible government response to an industry that exists today. We are advocating regulation of Internet poker, not Internet craps or roulette. And as every member of this Committee knows, unlike craps and roulette, poker is a game of skill that has been played in the home since Americans have been playing it. Regulating poker on the Internet is simply recognition of the game's 21st Century place in American culture." said Randy Castonguay, Massachusetts state director of the PPA.

The hearing will look and analyze the impact of proposals to expand casino gaming throughout the Commonwealth. Licensing and regulation of the online poker market in Massachusetts would bring a series of benefits to state residents, including state-based consumer protections which are non existent under the current legislation. Regulating the online poker industry will also help the state combat underage gambling as well as identify and provide services to problem gamblers. Finally, licensing and regulation would generate a significant increase in the state's tax revenue estimated in approximately $40 million a year.

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