PPA: Minnesota drops ISP enforcement against online gambling

[The Buzz]

The Poker Players Alliance is declaring victory in Minnesota as it says the state has dropped enforcement against ISPs that allow access to online poker and gambling.

The press release is below:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide (and more than 15,000 in Minnesota), declared victory as news broke that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety was dropping enforcement action against Internet Service Providers that provide access to Internet gambling sites, including legal Internet poker sites. The announcement was made by Representative Pat Garofalo, who indicated that the matter was concluded after "the legal position underlying the issuance of the notices was reconsidered." Garofalo specifically credited the PPA and the Interactive Gaming Council with contributing to the conclusion of the matter.

"This is a great day for internet freedom," said Garofalo. "In the spirit of cooperation and in recognition of the rescission of these notices, I am more than happy to withdraw my bill and in its place sponsor a discussion aimed at establishing a framework for regulating and licensing the online gaming industry."

"Minnesota poker players made our voices heard, the state listened and ended its ill-advised and improper attempt to circumvent the rights of Minnesota poker players," said Matthew Werden, Minnesota State Director of the Poker Players Alliance. "We commend Representative Garofalo for literally taking this misguided effort head on and resolving it without incident."

"We are extremely proud of our membership for unifying so quickly and effectively in opposition to this action," said John Pappas, Executive Director of the PPA. "We look forward to working with all parties involved to reach a sensible framework for regulation of this 21st Century pastime."

[pgaming]

I knew it!

Thanks Buzz I like this stuff.

WTO John Pappas OPA!!

greek39

[Anthony]

Good news! - I like that "internet freedom"

A Battle may have been won, but the war rages on...

[Chips]

Super to see some good news for a change! Thanks Buzzy!

[vinism]

As Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friends. I just got off the phone with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and they said there is no formal deal. They did confirm something was in the works, but didn't have a timetable for it. iMEGA confirmed on its Web site as well that there is no deal in place. In short, it looks like negotiations are ongoing, but no deal has been reached. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

[bbonline]

That's a good news. With a massive participation of poker players, no one could possibly take them down. These freedom with a good purpose may benefit not only the player itself but the people who have that skills as poker gamer.

[Focalclick]

Even if they are just discussing a deal, I think that is great news. Great work by the PPA and everyone that made mention of this on their websites and wrote in.

Mark

[vinism]

Looks like the deal is official....

http://www.imega.org/2009/06/09/minn...nt-with-imega/

[Focalclick]

Looks like the deal is official....

http://www.imega.org/2009/06/09/minn...nt-with-imega/

Excellent news. Great to see stories like this.

Mark

[vinism]

Here's the latest legal document associated with this case:

www.apcw.org/legal-documents/miinesota_enforcement_rescinded.pdf

[pgaming]

Excellent news makes me wonder now why Microgaming left the U.S market.


greek39

[Anthony]

I look forward to hearing about more victories!