Greetings;
My name is Randy C and I am the MA Rep for the PPA.
As you can well imagine, the news of this proposed bill really took us by surprise. I've read through all of the threads pertaining to this issue and I agree with most of you that this is NOT just a MA problem. It is, by all respects a problem that will affect all internet gamers.
Those of us who live in MA need to take this matter ever so seriously! This bill is quickly gaining support and now is not the time for party politics and the assignment of blame. The fact is, we are facing the MOST DAMAGING internet gaming legislation to date, surpassing that of the UIGEA. If this catches on...every State will start proposing similar legislation and I dare say we will be fighting an uphill battle.
I've spoken to MA State Senator Stephen Brewer(D-Barre). He warned me that this legislation stands a VERY good chance of passing and that if anything were to be done, it HAS to be done now. He suggests conacting any and all MA disabled persons who are homebound and unable to go to a conventional casino. He claimes that this will give us the "sympathetic angle" and will be another hurdle that the bill must stave off before going to the House of Reps. It's a longshot, but it's a start! So, if you know of any MA disabled person/people who play internet poker, please have them contact me ASAP at MassPoker@yahoo.com. Please have them put "MA Poker Ban" in the subject line.
I am currently working on the official PPA Press Release and Position Release and will send it to every single MA news source. I am making myself available for interviews in order to offer our position on the bill.
I would also like to hold a rally on Beacon Hill in early December for any and all residents of MA (and even non-residents [Skall...lol] that wish to attend.
Also, I will be working with John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance in an effort to offer MA PPA residents a standard opposition letter which will be automatically fowarded to Governor Patrick's office, as well as to each of the MA residents respective Representatives and Senators.
No matter what, it is important for MA residents to know that we here at the PPA are doing everything in our power to ensure that this bill stalls.
I am making myself available to all MA PPA members who wish to contact me directly. Please email me at
MassPoker@yahoo.com and I will provide you with my home and cell phone numbers. I will do my best to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
We have a very long, tough road ahead of us and I hope you will join with us to stop this bill in it's tracks NOW!
All In,
Randy C~
MA PPA Representative