By
Dan
Since the last time PocketFives.com wrote an article about the
Poker Players Alliance, the major lobbying force for the online poker world, several major milestones have been reached. First, the PPA surpassed the half million member total and is rapidly approaching 550,000. The free memberships along with the addition of former three-time Republican Senator Alfonse D’Amato (pictured) to its ranks have spurred tremendous growth and visibility. Now, John Pappas, a former executive with Dittus Communications, was brought on board to spearhead the government relations efforts of the PPA. The unique expertise that he brings to the organization is a testament to the proactive nature of online poker’s leading political voice.
Pappas was an executive at Dittus Communications, “one of Washington D.C.’s largest independent full-service public relations, marketing communications, and issue advocacy groups,” according to its website. He was charged with ensuring that the right messages were sent to members of Congress. The PPA worked hand in hand with Dittus to spread the word to the media about the organization. The PPA outlines his new role: “John Pappas is now the Vice President of Government Affairs for the PPA. In this role, he will be coordinating the lobbying and grassroots efforts as well as spending a considerable amount of time on Capitol Hill educating lawmakers and staff about sensible regulation of online poker. With Representative Barney Frank’s bill already moving forward and the likelihood of a poker ‘skill game’ bill being introduced soon, the PPA will be extremely active to ensure that Congress gives these bills full consideration.”
What prompted the move for Pappas? According to the PPA, “It was really about filling a need. Given Pappas’ deep understanding of the policy and politics of the issue, it made sense that he step in to help the PPA directly in Washington. Not only is it a great opportunity for him to be at the center of a ‘hot button’ issue, it is good to have a dedicated, full-time staffer who cares deeply about the issue and is committed to ensuring that the rights of poker players are protected.”
Pappas comments on his new venture: “This is a great job that mixes the right amount of fun with hard work. No one believes that it will be easy to convince lawmakers to support us. It will take time, perseverance, and most importantly, it will take a full understanding of the facts. Online poker and internet gaming are easy things to demagogue. It will be incumbent upon me, the organization, and our hundreds of thousands of PPA members to fill the Halls of Congress with the facts so that our opponents’ rhetoric will fall on deaf ears.” Most importantly, “Being central to the upcoming debate on how to correct what happened last year will undoubtedly be the most significant professional experience of my career thus far.”
Pappas was the PPA’s force behind various proactive events that PocketFives.com participated in. They include Write Your Congressman Day, a grassroots campaign to show online poker players’ discontent with the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. As a direct result of this campaign, 5,000 e-mails were sent to Congressmen nationwide on a single day last May. Several months later, when the Senate was to debate the same measure, Pappas was once again on the move, coordinating the Phone March on Washington on September 12. His success in these two movements combined with his vast public relations experience means the PPA has added another key piece to the puzzle.
If you’re not already a member of the PPA, check out their website to become one today. Several different levels of membership are available, including a completely free one. It’s important that the online poker community unite in Washington. Help see to it that the game enjoyed by over 20 million Americans is preserved for years to come.