There is a small chance that the bill will still pass, but gaming analyst Brian McGill was pessimistic in a Friday research report.
�We expect that Reid will continue to publicly say he is working on the issue until the lame-duck session ends,� he said. �However, our contacts continue to tell us there is a very slim chance the bill will pass in this lame-duck session. We would put the odds at passage at less than 10 percent now. If the bill does not pass in the lame-duck session, there is zero chance it will get passed in 2011.�

However, the bill could still pass and with Ol' Harry and
Vegas behind him nothing would surprise me. Let's just
hope that if this current bill doesn't pass the PPA will actually
stand up for the players and publicly, through the media fight
against a future blackout period.

Every interview I heard that the PPA was involved in sounded
like they just accepted the blackout as a "bitter pill" and there
was nothing we could do about it. There probably wasn't anything
they could do about changing the bill but when you are working for
the players and you are doing endless media interviews you need
to stand up for what we all know is a screw job with any long term
blackout.

The big money casinos and politicians will get their way sooner or
later so it makes no difference if it looks like the PPA is against the
Reid bill. Stop sounding like you're kissing his ass and voice our
displeasure against any blackout. Our rights are being trampled
on and calling it a "bitter pill" makes it look like you surrendered.
jmho

"Do you really think they can sway the decisions being made"

No and that's not what I'm asking them to do. What I am asking
them to do is use the media and continually stand up and fight against
the blackout even though it's not going to get changed. Don't just act
like, "we tried, oh well and we'll take our place over there Mr. Reid."
You can bet the ranch that I wouldn't just say "oh well".

The capital the casino would need to buy PS/ FT in a world where it is legal to operate in the US would be rideclious.

The most effective way to make the most money, quick would be to blackout everyone so that the casinos could build a comparable and competitive site. Sucks but that's how the govt is looking at it.

I generally agree w/ most of deaconmike's points here. I'm a little disappointed in the PPA for supporting this bill despite it's obvious flaws. It seems as though they are in a such a hurry to pass legislation that they are willing to let just about anything pass - and that's just not the way it should be. Admittedly they do have a much better grasp on the political landscape than we do...and they basically admit that this may be the best bill we see in awhile. But I'd rather "pick a better spot", so I wouldn't mind this legislation dieing. I will continue to support the PPA both in spirit and financially unless they further refuse to consult the community on matters like this again. I highly doubt the community reached a consensus that this bill was a good thing - with the exception of the 2p2 legislation thread which basically had a zillion moderators spewing Utopian propaganda to the masses.

edit: also it must be said that the PPA's power is absolutely dwarfed by American Casino interests. They had virtually no say regarding the specifics of this bill. They merely slapped their endorsement on it b.c they are so anxious for some type of legislation.

 

Originally Posted by johnny_B420

As far as I'm concerned, I appreciate the sense of urgency on both parties. I don't know if I can take only having UB and Bodog and other sites as options for X amount of years until they get something done. I look at it like this, if the democrats couldn't (or wouldn't) get something done during a time when we had the WH and both chambers of congress, then there's no way we can get something done when there's any kind of Republican majority without having to give up a lot more in the deal. If a 15 month blackout period is the thing that gets the deal done, and gets the deal done now, then it sucks but I'm willing to accept it. Then again I'm also a recreational player who doesn't make his living off poker, either.

You live in Washington, so Reid's legislation would likely still leave you unable to play on US regulated sites since Washington state would likely opt out of Reid's bill.

 

Originally Posted by apology7

I generally agree w/ most of deaconmike's points here. I'm a little disappointed in the PPA for supporting this bill despite it's obvious flaws. It seems as though they are in a such a hurry to pass legislation that they are willing to let just about anything pass - and that's just not the way it should be. Admittedly they do have a much better grasp on the political landscape than we do...and they basically admit that this may be the best bill we see in awhile. But I'd rather "pick a better spot", so I wouldn't mind this legislation dieing. I will continue to support the PPA both in spirit and financially unless they further refuse to consult the community on matters like this again. I highly doubt the community reached a consensus that this bill was a good thing - with the exception of the 2p2 legislation thread which basically had a zillion moderators spewing Utopian propaganda to the masses.

edit: also it must be said that the PPA's power is absolutely dwarfed by American Casino interests. They had virtually no say regarding the specifics of this bill. They merely slapped their endorsement on it b.c they are so anxious for some type of legislation.

SO THIS... Imagine if women were given the option "okay you guys can vote! but you won't be able to say or speak ONE WORD the next 15 months or you will be thrown in jail!" obv a bit of a stretch for an anology, but just cuz theyre offering you what you want doesnt mean you have to take what they give you.

This bill needs to die. Prolonged blackout periods would kill internet poker and make it impossible for us poker pros to make a living for the next 15 months.

I'm also disturbed that the PPA would support such legislation.

if this bill passes, we are fkd

 

Originally Posted by NJDevils26

What are the chances of this bill going thorugh

level?

 

However, our contacts continue to tell us there is a very slim chance the bill will pass in this lame-duck session. We would put the odds at passage at less than 10 percent now.