I am kind of a non-traditional woman. I like to play pool, go camping and fishing, watch football and auto racing, and yes, play poker. I’m also pretty competitive and like to win. I have played poker off and on most of my life for fun with family and friends. One night, my sister-in-law showed us how to play No Limit Hold'em and I really liked it. She was already playing online, so I decided to load PokerStars to mess around with play money games.Four years later, after moving on to playing micro-stakes games, reading articles and strategy until my eyes were crossed, watching coaching videos, doing live training, and playing whenever I could, I was starting to become a breakeven/ slightly winning player.
Then, on April 15, 2011, I logged on and found the mess that is our Black Friday. I was devastated that I could no longer play, but as the day went on, I realized my situation was not anywhere nearly as awful as it was for players who had been doing this for a living or supporting their families. I was, and remain, upset and saddened that the U.S. Government has chosen to focus its energy on banning U.S. players from playing a game that is clearly skill and strategy-based.
Seven months ago, I discovered the Poker Daily Action Plan – a plan updated daily through which we can all easily and effectively advocate for our rights via grassroots social media and other activities. I found this to be a great way for me to tell government officials how I feel. In fact, PC World rated the Action Plan very favorably, even mentioning the effort alongside Arab Spring and other world events of great significance. It is clearly having an impact.
There are many of us actively participating, but it is nothing compared to the thousands of online poker players affected. I am really surprised that not everyone in this community is making some noise, especially when it is so easy. I work full-time, do the DAP before I go to work (it takes about 15 to 20 minutes), and help bump threads in other forums in the evenings (another 5 to 10 minutes). If every player who wants online poker back would participate regularly, even once a week, there could be thousands of us demanding our right to play each week.I realize not all players agree on Federal legislation or even legislation at all. If I had my way, I would vote for a completely free internet and the right to play wherever we want. Unfortunately, there is just too much money involved in this industry and there is no realistic way that will happen in our current political environment. Our second best option, in my opinion, is for Federal regulation to allow for a large player base and consistent across-the-board regulations.
We still have a chance to get something passed this year in the lame duck session. I really believe that, if our representatives hear from enough of us this election year, we can get it done. I want to win this fight and will keep making my voice heard even if there is no additional help coming, but we sure could use the cavalry about now, and members of the poker community, the cavalry is you!
To participate in the Poker Daily Action Plan right here on PocketFives, simply visit the thread here. It is really that easy to make your voice heard, so let's all do this.
