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 PennsylvaniaTom Ridge, and Professional Poker Player Greg Raymer

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- FairPlayUSAannounced the formation of their coalition, which will educatepolicymakers and the public on the broad public policy interestsraised by the current ambiguous laws in the U.S. that have led tomillions of Americans gambling on the Internet. FairPlayUSA supportsCongress once and for all defining what is illegal gambling andproviding strong law enforcement tools to ban it, as well asproviding a strict regulatory framework for online poker.

Based in Washington D.C., FairPlayUSA intends to grow itsmembership to include law enforcement officials, child safety andconsumer protection experts, the commercial gaming industry, andsome of the world's best poker players. The initial members of theAdvisory Board include the Honorable Tom Ridge, the former Governorof Pennsylvania and first Secretary of Homeland Security; ParryAftab, an Internet safety expert; and Greg Raymer, an accomplishedprofessional poker player. The coalition's efforts will be led byExecutive Director Marisa McNee.

FairPlayUSA's website, www.FairPlayUSA.com, features a petitioncalling on Congress to address the problems associated with offshoreInternet gambling, give law enforcement the tools to crack down onillegal sites, and establish a strict regulatory framework foronline 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 forrecruiting and organizing supporters who will actively engage andmake their voices heard by members of Congress. Outreach will bedirected toward law enforcement officials, those who supportInternet consumer safety, and online poker's strongest asset - themillions of Americans who enjoy online poker."

"Current federal law has been unsuccessful in banning illegalInternet gambling. I wholeheartedly endorse having policymakersclearly define what is illegal Internet gambling and giving lawenforcement the tools necessary to enforce such a ban. I alsostrongly support the strict regulation of online poker. Americanswho choose to play poker against each other on the Internet shouldbe assured that the games are fair and limited to adults," saidFairPlayUSA Advisory Board Member Governor Tom Ridge.

FairPlayUSA was formed to educate the public and policymakers onthe need to reform federal Internet gambling laws in three keyareas: strong law enforcement and strict regulation, consumer andchild online protection, and the rights of adults to play onlinepoker.

Lawyer and Internet safety expert Parry Aftab said, "Licensingand regulating online poker is the most effective and responsibleway to ensure the safety of America's children and consumers. Giventhe growing popularity of online poker, we cannot afford to missthis opportunity to protect America's children and consumers. Wemust take action now."

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

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

About FairPlayUSAFairPlay USA was founded to educate the publicand policymakers on clarifying the laws on Internet gambling andonce and for all defining what is illegal gambling and what is not,such as online poker, while also providing strong law enforcementtools to ban what is deemed to be illegal gambling. The coalitionsupports strict regulation of online poker and the protection ofconsumers and the rights of adults to engage in this activity. Basedin Washington, D.C., the coalition combines the collective voice oflaw-abiding players with the distinguished voices of lawenforcement, homeland security and online safety champions at thehighest levels.

SOURCE FairPlayUSA