Freedom to play the game
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The great thing about America is that a guy like me can follow his dreams and do what he loves to do and still support his family.
I play poker for a living. Poker is not for everybody. Some people have the skill and the mathematical ability to be great at poker, and some people do not.
I got my big break winning an online poker tournament, which gave me the chance to go to Las Vegas and compete in the World Series of Poker. I was able to win that tournament and the rest, as they say, is history.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I saw that the United States Congress decided to make it more difficult for people to play poker online. In 2006, the Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, a law that tries to stop Americans from playing poker for money and has the effect of keeping American companies from owning Internet gaming Web sites.
That’s a stupid law, I thought. Online poker is not going away. Millions of people play online poker all over the world, especially in America. Why penalize Americans and leave open the market to companies from other countries?
When it comes to politics, I am a libertarian. I believe that giving people the freedom to do what they want to do to achieve their version of the American dream is what this great country is all about.
I am also a patriot. I love this country, because it truly does serve as a beacon for freedom for the rest of the world.
That is why I am so angry at those members of Congress who have tried to take my version of the American dream away from me. Taking freedom away is not what America is all about.
Poker is an intrinsic part of America’s soul. Poker is an American game. Poker was a vital part of the American frontier. Harry Truman was playing poker in the Speaker’s office of the United States Congress when his boss Franklin Roosevelt died, and he became President.
It’s no secret that current members of Congress play poker, our president is a poker player, and that there is a regular poker game that includes Supreme Court justices. Isn’t it hypocritical for some of these politicians to try to ban poker playing for those of us who play poker online?
Some say that we should be concerned about kids playing poker online, and I agree. But the answer is to regulate online poker, not ban it for everyone. Regulation is the only realistic way to protect our kids.
I love America. And I love to play poker. It is my version of the American dream. I have a simple message to Congress. Keep your hands off of my poker hand. Repeal the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act, license and regulate online poker, and stand up for freedom in this country.
Greg Raymer is a professional poker player. He is best known for winning the 2004 World Series of Poker main event.
(18 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Well said, Sir. Poker, unlike other games, requires an understanding of math. I would think we’d want to encourage any game that might broaden the appeal of math and demonstrate its utility, given that this nation is in desperate need of a new generation of mathematicians and scientists.
Mr. Raymer,
Thank you for standing up for the rights Congress steals without thinking twice. I hope that you remain active in fighting for our right to play online. The way that you handle yourself at the tables makes you an excellent ambassador for the game. Good luck at this year’s WSOP, I hope to see you make another deep run at the main event.
Right on Mr.Raymer. I support your view and opinions %100.
See you at the tables!
Too many laws prevent more good than hurt. All those poor people’s money, lost while gambling online on their laptops from the comfort of their own bathroom, should absolutely not be prevented from remaining within the US economy.
It seems to me poker is an exemplary Libertarian pursuit. Each player agrees to sit at the table knowing the rules ahead of time. Winner takes all on each hand. Over the expanse of time (an evening, a tournament, a career) the most skilled at the game tend (tend, with no guarantees) to benefit the most. I learned long ago I suck at Poker so it is my choice to avoid the pursuit.
As far as taxing & regulating is concerned; I guess I’m OK with it on principle – but something tells me we should wait until the Progressives are run out of power for good first. I don’t know, maybe it’s that insatiable appetite for other people’s money the Progressives have.
http://libertyatstake.blogspot.com/
I don’t understand why they just don’t regulate and tax online poker. Even with the regulations in place it is easy to get money in and out of the sites. Unlike most casino games, poker is a game of skill that is common place at many households. Regulation has been a joke so we may as well find a way for the government to make some money on it by regulating and taxing.