FairPlayUSA Launches With a Diverse Coalition to Support New Law Enforcement Tools to Combat Illegal Internet Gambling and Provide for Strict Federal Regulation of Online Poker

Advisory Board Includes Internet Safety Expert Parry Aftab, Former Secretary of Homeland Security and Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Ridge, and Professional Poker Player Greg Raymer

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  FairPlayUSA announced the formation of their coalition, which will educate policymakers and the public on the broad public policy interests raised by the current ambiguous laws in the U.S. that have led to millions of Americans gambling on the Internet.  FairPlayUSA supports Congress once and for all defining what is illegal gambling and providing strong law enforcement tools to ban it, as well as providing a strict regulatory framework for online poker.

Based in Washington D.C., FairPlayUSA intends to grow its membership to include law enforcement officials, child safety and consumer protection experts, the commercial gaming industry, and some of the world's best poker players.  The initial members of the Advisory Board include the Honorable Tom Ridge, the former Governor of Pennsylvania and first Secretary of Homeland Security; Parry Aftab, an Internet safety expert; and Greg Raymer, an accomplished professional poker player.  The coalition's efforts will be led by Executive Director Marisa McNee.

FairPlayUSA's website, www.FairPlayUSA.com, features a petition calling on Congress to address the problems associated with offshore Internet gambling, give law enforcement the tools to crack down on illegal sites, and establish a strict regulatory framework for online poker to ensure its integrity and safety.  

According to the Executive Director of FairPlayUSA, Marisa McNee, "The website and online petition will be the focal point for recruiting and organizing supporters who will actively engage and make their voices heard by members of Congress. Outreach will be directed toward law enforcement officials, those who support Internet consumer safety, and online poker's strongest asset – the millions of Americans who enjoy online poker."

"Current federal law has been unsuccessful in banning illegal Internet gambling. I wholeheartedly endorse having policymakers clearly define what is illegal Internet gambling and giving law enforcement the tools necessary to enforce such a ban. I also strongly support the strict regulation of online poker. Americans who choose to play poker against each other on the Internet should be assured that the games are fair and limited to adults," said FairPlayUSA Advisory Board Member Governor Tom Ridge.  

FairPlayUSA was formed to educate the public and policymakers on the need to reform federal Internet gambling laws in three key areas:  strong law enforcement and strict regulation, consumer and child online protection, and the rights of adults to play online poker.

Lawyer and Internet safety expert Parry Aftab said, "Licensing and regulating online poker is the most effective and responsible way to ensure the safety of America's children and consumers. Given the growing popularity of online poker, we cannot afford to miss this opportunity to protect America's children and consumers. We must take action now."

Further, FairPlayUSA believes that the millions of Americans who are playing poker online deserve to know they are playing safely with law-abiding operators. Licensing and regulation of online poker in the U.S. would ensure American consumers are protected and that the jobs and taxes associated with this industry are realized here in the United States.

"Americans are passionate about online poker.  I respect their right to play games that are fair and on sites that are strictly regulated.  I'll do everything I can to support efforts that protect our rights to play this quintessential American game and to make it clear that every adult has the legal right to play poker online," said Professional Poker Champion Greg Raymer.    

About FairPlayUSA
FairPlay USA was founded to educate the public and policymakers on clarifying the laws on Internet gambling and once and for all defining what is illegal gambling and what is not, such as online poker, while also providing strong law enforcement tools to ban what is deemed to be illegal gambling.  The coalition supports strict regulation of online poker and the protection of consumers and the rights of adults to engage in this activity.  Based in Washington, D.C., the coalition combines the collective voice of law-abiding players with the distinguished voices of law enforcement, homeland security and online safety champions at the highest levels.

SOURCE FairPlayUSA