Here is real reason we are screwed: political bribes!

[Allah_In]

The following isw a list of the disclosed contributions by the brick and mortar gaming industry to our beloved politicians.

Rank
Candidate
Amount

1
Ensign, John (R-NV)
$196,200

2
Cantwell, Maria (D-WA)
$60,600

3
Conrad, Kent (D-ND)
$55,178

4
Burns, Conrad (R-MT)
$51,865

5
Smith, Gordon H (R-OR)
$42,500

6
Johnson, Tim (D-SD)
$36,700

7
Allen, George (R-VA)
$36,120

8
Bingaman, Jeff (D-NM)
$31,500

9
Menendez, Robert (D-NJ)
$31,000

10
Santorum, Rick (R-PA)
$30,542

11
Talent, James M (R-MO)
$29,420

12
Stabenow, Debbie (D-MI)
$29,050

13
Clinton, Hillary Rodham (D-NY)
$28,050

14
Lieberman, Joe (I-CT)
$26,121

15
Kennedy, Edward M (D-MA)
$26,050

16
Feinstein, Dianne (D-CA)
$24,600

17
Lott, Trent (R-MS)
$22,100

18
McConnell, Mitch (R-KY)
$19,350

19
Chafee, Lincoln D (R-RI)
$15,800

20
Kyl, Jon (R-AZ)
$14,614

Source: Opensecrets.org


That's just your Top 20. Until the offshore gaming sites start using some of your rake to slop the hogs, we will never get anywhere. Unless y'all want to chip in to start a pack and start spreading the love.

The list almost looks like the results of a million dollar tourney!

[Berge20]

First, these are legal political contributions

Second, foreign corporations are barred from donating

Third, what makes you believe that donations from B&M Casinos was the cause for this ban being pushed through?

[Jeremy517]

[ QUOTE ]
Until the offshore gaming sites start using some of your rake to slop the hogs, we will never get anywhere.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Representatives from Las Vegas spoke out AGAINST the ban.

[jason75]

As misdirected as OP is about B&M donations having anything to do with the ban, he is correct about the leverage contributions can have.

If the pokerrooms wanted to, they could contribute to PPA (which I assume is either a 527 or 501(c)4 nonprofit political organization), who could then in turn use that $$$ for their operating expenses and donate all other funds raised in the US to a PPA PAC.

Given the potential swing in this election, PPA could make key contributions in battleground districts to BOTH sides (this is what the real players do). Then come the lame duck session, cash in with those reps who either won or survived by the skin of their teeth. Perhaps getting a poker carve out??

I think realistically you'd need to raise $2-5 million for the PAC contributions.

EDIT: Just realized if you want to try in the lame duck session where a lot of the big "must pass" bills will go through and everybody get's theirs, then you have to focus on Republicans in trouble, not the Dem challengers (who won't take over until Jan 07).

[Allah_In]

First, of course the are legal.

Second, it is perfectly legal for a foreign corporation, or an association of foreign corporations to set up a political action committee in the US and give campaign contributions, and it is done routinely.

Third, what would make me believe that it would be any other reason? You think politicians enjoy pissing off constituents?

The cause of this ban will be an unprecedented boom in B&M poker business. Buy stock in Harrah's and the company that makes those retarded machines that have dealerless games in casino that Johnny Chan endorses. Buy stock in Johnny Chan, for that matter.

[Vuron00]

You should read the Wall Street Journal thread just posted by Kramer. The B&M's are trying to get into the online business, not get it banned. The know that TV and online games are what drives their business.

10 years ago, very few casinos even had poker rooms. They need TV and online to recruit new players.

[peritonlogon]

Wow, so, not bribes but rather disclosed, legal contributions to political campaigns, I'm underwhelmed.

[Berge20]

[ QUOTE ]
First, of course the are legal.

Second, it is perfectly legal for a foreign corporation, or an association of foreign corporations to set up a political action committee in the US and give campaign contributions, and it is done routinely.

Third, what would make me believe that it would be any other reason? You think politicians enjoy pissing off constituents?

The cause of this ban will be an unprecedented boom in B&M poker business. Buy stock in Harrah's and the company that makes those retarded machines that have dealerless games in casino that Johnny Chan endorses. Buy stock in Johnny Chan, for that matter.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not really sure where to begin arguing.

Foreign donations:
§ 441e. Contributions and donations by foreign nationals1
(a) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for—
(1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make—
(A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing
of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a
contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State, or local election;
(B) a contribution or donation to a committee of a political
party; or
(C) an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement
for an electioneering communication (within the meaning
of section 304(f)(3)) (2 U.S.C. § 434(f)(3)); or
(2) a person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) from a foreign national.

On your other point---if these B&M donations were the cause of this ban, why do you not see the proponents of the legislation at the top? Where is Bill Frist? Where is Rep. Leach or Goodlatte?

Edit: It is possible for a foreign corporation, with subsidiaries or other assets in the US to establish a PAC...but all funds from that PAC must come from US citizens. None of the major poker sites have such a presence in this country to my knowledge.

[Berge20]

Jason,

I tend to agree that to be fully effective, an organization that represents our industry should create a PAC if they feel it is effective and enough funds can be raised.

[jetsetboy]

What is a PAC ?

Does a non profit organization like PPA have foreign contributors ? If it does the fund raised by foreign sources can not be used for political purpose ?