Kentucky Tries to Seize Poker Websites; PPA Reacts

tip of the month:

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has started legal action to seize the domain names of Internet gaming websites, and the PPA – which has 13,000 members in Kentucky – is livid.
    “The Poker Players Alliance is outraged at the actions taken by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and the Franklin County Circuit Court to seize the domain names of Internet gambling websites. We believe this action not only unduly restricts the freedom of Kentucky residents to play games of skill, such as poker, online, but sets a precedent for censorship of the Internet by force.
    “Many of Governor Beshear’s arguments – that online poker is illegal, unregulated and without a mechanism to capture tax revenue – are false. Online poker is not illegal under Kentucky law, is regulated in its home jurisdiction and the Commonwealth of Kentucky chose not to license and regulate poker websites.
    “If the governor truly wants to implement tighter regulations, taxation mechanisms and consumer protections on Internet gambling, the PPA suggests he publicly support federal legislation by U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, H.R. 2460, which would achieve those goals.
    “Poker is a game of skill, a true American pastime that has a proud heritage in Kentucky. Simply because the game has evolved into the 21st century, it should not be treated as suspect activity. Forcefully and secretly seizing
control of websites that offer online poker games is not a sound public policy or a sound legal solution.”
    A court hearing on the matter is upcoming.
    Kentucky is seeking: Agreement by owners of the domain names to block access from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and compensation for previous gambling activity from Kentucky residents.

< Prev		Next >

Visit Us At

Survey

Like it? Share it!