[DeadMoneyDad]

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Good third party article on the players as seen in DC.

It is unclear whether the Greenberg law firm is counsel to the PPA or serves on the Board. However, either way, they have to be cut loose. (I am not knocking their abilities or past service, just stating that their legacy from Abramoff makes them too hot politically to retain.)

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Greenberg Trurig's reputation was not diminished the least because of Jack. In fact the firms reputation was to some degree enhanced due to the fact it fully cooperated with the Feds in their investigations.

Given that the firm employes not only some of the best lobbists in town but also is perhaps the best source of gaming law talent in the world throwing them under the bus would be the equalivant of throwing out the baby with the bath water.

As far as I know no one from the firm is on the PPA board.

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Again, also, so long as the PPA is tied to the Frank Bill, it will draw fire from the NFL. The NFL is an essential part of the opposition in this endeavor because it sees the "evil" of sportsbetting, clearly it is time to cut ties between the PPA and "perceived threat" of sports betting allowed under the Frank Bill. (The "opt-out" language of the Frank Bill for the NFL likely is not enough to blunt their opposition, so try something else .... like pushing a POKER bill like the Wexler Bill.)

It is less likely to draw NFL fire if it pushed the Wexler Bill, and may even be more likely to get allies among the "skill-game" crowd.

Just my view,

Milton

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You're view on the uphill challenge faced by the poker community given the desire of many of the players that could support us to get unrestricted on-line gaming as well as sports betting is indeed a problem.

Given the nature of the PPA vs the AGA in their current form making an enemy of them isn't wise. But we also can not ally ourselves to closely with them for the very reasons you mention. Look at the AGA board and you will find the Managing Director of the Bank of America among its members. This is an ally that could indeed help us but it is doubtful given the size of sports books alone we will ever get or hope for much more than a nominally netural stance.


D$D