The Real Deal Poker Blog

Three Card Poker Games

admin — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 03:47:33 +0000

You can play three card poker at all of the best online casinos. Three card poker games

are fun, fast moving and exciting games that don’t reach high stakes, which make them

favorite, also because the bets are against the dealer and this lowers the stress.

Just check it all out here ! : http://www.wildjack.com/3-card-poker.php

Online Poker Prohibition with Annie Duke

admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:18:40 +0000

D’Amato, Wexler bring UIGEA fight to Vegas

admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:17:28 +0000

by Vin Narayanan, Casino City Times

Former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato and Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) brought their fight to repeal the UIGEA and legalize Internet poker to the World Series of Poker Monday.

D’Amato, chairman and chief lobbyist for the PPA, urged poker players before the start of play to write their Senators and Congressman and ask them to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

“Why should Americans not be able to play poker online when they can bet on the ponies online?” D’Amato asked the cheering crowd before he kicked off Day 1D play by yelling “Shuffle up and deal’em.”

Later that afternoon, the large field of competitors paused to hear Wexler talk about returning online poker to American players.

“A few months ago, the government made a big mistake,” Wexler said, referring to the passage of Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. “They butted into the lives of Americans told them they couldn’t play poker.” “Poker is as much our pastime as baseball,” Wexler told the audience. “It’s a game of skill,” Wexler said as the crowd cheered. Then he urged the players to write their representatives and support his proposed legislation allows Americans to gamble on skill games, including poker.

The crowd roared its approval, and Wexler and D’Amato continued their tour of the WSOP floor.

D’Amato and Wexler also made time to sit down with Casino City today to discuss repealing the UIGEA and creating a skill game UIGEA exception for poker.

AD: I’m fighting for the disenfranchised poker player. They’ve lost the right to play on the Internet. They should have the right to play on the Internet the same way Americans have the rights to bet on the ponies on the Internet. They’ve disenfranchised us. They’ve disenfranchised the poor poker player. That’s why I’ve joined this crusade. They’ve made us second class citizens. They’ve made us thieves. That’s the implication (of the UIGEA). We’re a country of fairness.

What did you think of the WSOP floor?

It’s quite something. But imagine how much greater and more spectacular it would be if you had players playing on the Internet. What a competition that would be. That’s the kind of thing that this can eventually be. But the legislation that was surreptitiously attached to the Safe Ports Act, the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act prevents that. It’s one of the most hypocritical pieces of legislation ever passed and it was done in a duplicitous way. It says you’re engaged in a criminal act if you’re playing poker, but it’s ok to bet on horses, or lotteries, which is every bit the gambling – if not more than poker.

(At this point, PPA president Michael Bolcerek interjects and reminds D’Amato that the UIGEA just makes financial transactions illegal, not poker playing.)

AD: Let’s not be lawyers about this. It deprives you of the opportunity to play poker. It makes you deal with criminals. Anyone engaging in the wire transfers is guilty of criminal conduct. Essentially, they’re banning you from playing poker. They’re saying you cant’ do in you home what you can do by walking down the street to a casino.

VN: What about underage gambling?
AD: If you want to stop youngsters from gambling, why don’t you ban horse racing? At least under the legislation proposed by (Barney) Frank, who’s been heroic, and Wexler, they (online casinos) will have to use all kinds of sophisticated programs to prevent underage people from playing on the Internet. The technology works.And we will show Congress it works. All on this sanctimonious business about how we don’t want our kids to gamble on the Internet. I thought that fell on the mamma on poppa. I didn’t know big-brother government should step in. I’m going to be 70, why should I be precluded from gambling online.

VN: What type of pressure does the WTO ruling against the U.S. bring?

AD: Now we’re looking down the barrel of powerful cannon that’s going to blow our trade to smithereens as a result of the EU, Australia, and others bringing the same action (as Antigua) against the U.S. It will result in billions of dollars in penalties. And some of the biggest companies will be hurt when their IP is infringed upon. (Antigua and Barbuda is threatening to lift copyright protections.) Whether it’s the entertainment industry — Time Warner, Disney – or Microsoft, and a number of other leading technologies, the damage will be real.

VN: The EU says they want access to new markets rather than money for compensation in the WTO case. Doesn’t that lessen the pressure the U.S. might feel?

AD: It’s going to be billions of dollars we lose if that happens. Carried to its logical conclusion, it will be a colossal trade war. I can see a scenario that some that will want the sugar quotas lifted. And others will want another market opened. It will turn into a huge battle. And we’re wrong. We shouldn’t be involved in this battle.

VN: Many industry experts have called for study on online gaming. They claim it’s the only way to get data that Congress can use to pass a future law regulating online gaming. Yet you’re pushing directly for a repeal or skill game exception. Why?

AT: What you’re hearing is from certain segments of industry. And those segments are anxious to protect their businesses. You’re not going to stop the Internet and its utilization for all kinds of economic and commercial activities. The same companies (that want a study) will be pushing for repeal soon. Some are already. Others will move in that direction. And you can study this until the cows come home. But it’s not going to change.

VN: How are you going to get the votes needed to pass any legislation?

AD: We’re going to pick up the votes — I’m just not sure we’re going to pick up the votes before the WTO violation of law on our part. The WTO ruling plus a million members (editor’s note: they currently have almost 600,000 members) gives us critical mass. But members have to call congress and write into them. And not just a form letter. The have to tell them what they think and feel. And the educational process we’re engaged in before the mark up for the Frank bill to show (Congress) that programs keep youngsters on the Internet away from poker will help.

VN: I know you love to play poker Senator. How come you’re not playing in the Main Event?

AD: I didn’t enter the World Series because if I did, I would obviously make the final table, and that would take a week. Unfortunately, I have some things to do back in New York, so I couldn’t enter.

Congressman Wexler’s turn

VN: Why go for a skill gaming exception rather than an outright appeal of UIGEA?

RW: Barney (Frank) wants to undo the whole law. I went after poker and games of skill because that’s the best argument that Americans understand. ‘Why can’t you play in your kitchen and not online?’ Poker is a game of skill where there’s no house. You play against other people who want to play you. I would also favor an outright appeal as well.

VN: You’re obviously passionate about the issue. Why? RW: People are passionate about games of skill, like poker, and Congress has no business dictating the venues in which they’re played.

RW:People have been playing (poker) on the kitchen table, in the house, and in the halls of Congress for centuries. The idea to ban it on the Internet is illogical. Add on (legal) betting on horse racing and lotteries online, and there’s no legitimate case for not letting people bet on poker online. We’ll prevent underage gambling with the technology. And money laundering too.

VN: What kind of impact has the WTO ruling against the U.S. had?

RW:Other nations are bringing the U.S task. And an amended schedule has enormous financial implications as well. But we shouldn’t be violating the WTO. We can’t expect China, India and Europe to respect the WTO if we don’t.

VN: Have you heard from the Microsoft’s and Disney’s of the world asking about Antigua and Barbuda’s threat to suspend copyright protections?

RW: We haven’t yet, but we will. And rightfully so. The prohibition of online poker and games of skill are just registering with people. They’re just learning what the ramifications will be. And that will affect all sorts of elements of our economy.

VN: Any final thoughts?

RW: Prohibition didn’t work when we tried to outlaw alcohol. And it’s not going to work if we try to outlaw poker. It’s going to result in poker players using offshore sites that expose them to financial fraud. It’s counterproductive.

VN: Do you play poker?

RW: I play casually.

VN: What did you think of the WSOP floor?

RW: I wish more people could see the WSOP. It shows there’s an extraordinary enthusiasm for the game of skill.

The State of Play: America and Online Poker FIGHT!

admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:16:20 +0000

Internet gambling laws at stake

admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:13:21 +0000

Tom Walker, WTHR

Washington - No one’s ready to say you can bet on it, but Congress may change its mind and make gambling over the internet legal again.

Online poker was dealt a losing hand last year when Congress effectively banned most types of internet gambling.

Poker lovers like Michael Bolcerek complained that was unfair.

“We think it’s certainly more closely aligned with a sport than gambling,” said Michael Bolcerek of the Poker Players Alliance.

Did Congress make a mistake? Indianapolis Democrat Julia Carson says yes.

“I’m going to vote to repeal it, because it doesn’t make any sense to me,” Carson said.

It still makes a lot of sense to those who argue the internet has made gambling too easy and put financial ruin only one mouse-click away.

A Baptist minister told lawmakers about the addiction to online poker that led his son to rob a bank.

“This time next year instead of watching my son receive his diploma from Lehigh University as president of his class, I’ll be waiting proudly outside the gates of prison to see my son released,” said gambling opponent Rev. Gregory Hogan.

While the current law prohibits online casinos, it still allows betting on horse races.

That discrepancy is what appeared to sway Carson. “What’s the difference between internet gambling and being able to gamble on the horses?” Carson asked. “I don’t think there is a difference, that’s why I’m confused.”

A year ago, the gambling ban passed easily when Republicans attached it to a homeland security bill.

Now that democrats are in charge, those who fought the ban then, are vowing to undo it.

The stakes in this battle are huge for entertainment companies who stand to make billions from online betting if it’s legalized.

Senator Alfonse D’Amato Takes Leadership Position with the Poker Players Alliance

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:04:00 +0000

You probably have heard that the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) has enlisted a key ally to support our cause. Yesterday, we announced that former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato is joining the PPA as Chairman of the Board and to help lead our efforts in Washington D.C. The PPA has been your voice for the past 18 months, now we have elevated our organization and will have even more influence with policy makers.

Senator D’Amato will be a tremendous advocate on your behalf. First of all, he is a passionate and skilled poker player who loves to win in both poker and politics. He has a distinguished 18 year record serving in the United States Senate and worked in a bipartisan fashion to achieve results for the people of New York. Now he is taking his enthusiasm, tenacity and political savvy directly to Congress to produce results for the Poker Players Alliance. We are proud that he has joined our team and we are excited about our prospects to get something done for poker in the near term.

I also want to take this moment to personally thank Linda Johnson, the First Lady of Poker, who was the inspiration behind the Poker Players Alliance and served as the PPA’s first Chairwoman. Without her guidance the PPA would not be the great organization it is today.

I encourage you to go to the New York Times Web site (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/05/technology/05poker.html) for more news about Senator D’Amato joining the Poker Players Alliance and to visit our site as well.

Sincerely,

Michael Bolcerek, President
Poker Players Alliance

Senator Alfonse D’Amato Takes Leadership Position with the Poker Players Alliance

Poker Aficionado and former U.S. Senator to Lead Efforts to Protect One of America’s Pastimes

Washington D.C.(March 5, 2007) - The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), a grassroots organization of more than 160,000 poker enthusiasts, announced today that former United States Senator Alfonse D’Amato has joined the PPA to serve as Chairman of the Board and help lead efforts in Washington D.C. to protect the game of poker.

”I have had a passion for poker since my childhood, and for politics almost as long. This new position will allow me to fuse these passions and help establish sensible policy that allows Americans to enjoy the great game of poker in the venue of their choosing,” said Alfonse D’Amato, the new Chairman of the Poker Players Alliance.

”We are thrilled to have Senator D’Amato take up our cause to promote and protect the game played by millions of Americans. His enthusiasm, tenacity and political astuteness will bolster the influence of the PPA and help earn poker a much deserved exemption from the recent online gaming law,” said Michael Bolcerek, president of the PPA. “For the past 18 months Linda Johnson, the First Lady of Poker, skillfully lead our organization as Chairwoman, today the First Senator of Poker will lead the charge.”

It is estimated that more than 23 million Americans enjoyed playing poker on the Internet in 2006. Yet, the recent government crackdown on Internet gaming has swept poker into its net of prohibition and have made it increasingly difficult for poker players to enjoy this great form of entertainment on the Internet. The Poker Players Alliance will be working with Congress to provide a skill game exemption for poker and pave the way for eventual regulation and taxation of the industry in the United States.

”Prohibitions don’t work, they only create unintended consequences. The American people know this and we are going to make sure Congress knows it too,” said Senator D’Amato. “We need common sense regulation of Internet poker. Prohibition will only drive the industry underground and strip away any protections for children and services for problem gamblers.”

The Poker Players Alliance was formed in 2005 to protect the right of poker players to enjoy the great American tradition of poker in the venue of their choice, and Linda Johnson was critical in the organization’s development. “I would like to personally thank Linda Johnson for her service to the PPA as its first Chairwoman, and in her continued service as a board member as we take the organization to its next level,” stated Bolcerek.

Full Tilt is Here To Stay!

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:48:56 +0000

How Bill Passed the Bill Through the Safe Port Act.

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:06:20 +0000

Those Smart Sneaky Bastards!

The State Of Poker

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:01:59 +0000

The State of Poker
By Michael Bolcerek, president, Poker Players Alliance

Last night, in an annual tradition, the President of the United States addressed the Congress, his cabinet and our country on the “state of the union” and the goals of the government for 2007. Not surprisingly the president did not include the “state of poker” among his crucial national issues. Thus, I would like to take this moment to provide an update on where poker sits today and examine how you and the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) can continue to work together to preserve and protect the game we love.

As we know painfully well, poker has come under vicious attack over the past year. We continue to learn on a regular basis about home and tavern poker games being raided by law enforcement and how charitable

Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments are being shut down. Perhaps even worse, we have seen the federal government’s full force efforts to curb this American tradition from the Internet. Legislation aimed at prohibiting you from funding your online poker accounts passed the U.S. House this summer, then was quietly slipped into a port security bill, literally in the dark of night, which was signed into law on October 13. During these troubling times, the PPA has given you a voice to express your opposition to the government’s intrusive actions and to rally in a united fashion against these constitutional incursions.

The impact has been jarring, as the largest, publicly traded online poker operators shut down services to

U.S. players. While many reputable sites still offer services to

U.S. players, recent actions to close down payment processors and to subpoena banks are clear indications that the federal government is aggressively pushing the online gambling prohibition.

We don’t have to tell you that a prohibition won’t work, and in fact will likely cause many more problems than it aims to solve. The unintended consequences will soon be apparent and all the good intentions of protecting children, helping problem gamblers, and ensuring the integrity of financial transactions will be lost as rogue sites and unregulated payment methodologies surface to replace the trustworthy operators the government is driving out of business.

The PPA is not standing idly by. Poker should be exempt under the new law and that exemption is our primary goal. I have spent a good portion of January in Washington, D.C., meeting with lawmakers and others to get support for legislation that would provide a “skill game” exemption for poker. We hope to have a bill introduced very soon and then bring to bear the voice of more than 135,000 members of the PPA to push Congress to do the right thing. This would be a very positive development for the game. For the past year, we have been on the defensive, but now is the time to go on the offensive and get a bill introduced.

This year we will also be taking the issue directly to Members of Congress in their home districts, to truly nationalize the debate. We had a tremendous response from our members about becoming PPA grassroots representatives on the state and regional levels. Soon we will be announcing our positions across the country and engaging

U.S. Representatives and Senators where they used to feel safe from facts and spirited debate.

While we are working toward the short-term goal of a poker exemption, the PPA will also be laying the foundation for the eventual

U.S. regulation of online poker. This is the only proven public policy for online gaming. Licensing, regulating, and taxing online poker is technically feasible and the sensible and fiscally responsible thing to do. We will be working with others in

Washington to move Congress in this direction.

Finally, we not only rely on your active participation but also on your active support to achieve our goals. Our new site now offers no cost introductory annual memberships. Please help us build our membership to enable us to deliver a full house to Congress and stop further threats to our game. Tell your friends, family, and fellow players to become members of the PPA. We also offer an ability to upgrade your membership from introductory to full membership and beyond. Our new and improved Web site, www.pokerplayersalliance.org, gives you tools and information to help our cause, as well as make it easier for you to donate to the PPA. I hope you will make a contribution at http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org/donatenow.php.

2007 will be an important year for poker. With your help and continued support we are optimistic that poker will remain a great American tradition. Join the Poker Players Alliance Today For Free at www.therealdeanow.com

Michael Bolcerek President of U.S. Poker Players Alliance Speaks Out Against Poker Ban.

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 05:57:06 +0000