Ever since it took over the Poker Players Alliance, Poker Central has been extremely quiet. The organization was rebranded at the time of the takeover, with Poker Central renaming the group the Poker Alliance, but it didn’t exactly jump back into the fray regarding poker, gaming or…anything, to be honest. Now the new Poker Alliance is looking to reenter the poker community’s consciousness by staking positions on some of the hot issues facing poker and gaming, both live and presumably online.
Brenner: “Vote NO on Amendment 3”
In an e-mail sent to Poker Alliance members, President Mark Brenner addressed the upcoming midterm elections in the state of Florida and, in particular, the perplexing Amendment 3. The amendment summary is written as such:
“This amendment ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling by requiring that in order for casino gambling to be authorized under Florida law, it must be approved by Florida voters pursuant to Article XI, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution. Affects articles X and XI. Defines casino gambling and clarifies that this amendment does not conflict with federal law regarding state/tribal compacts.”
Brenner and the Poker Alliance aren’t pleased with the proposed Amendment, as he clarified deeper into the e-mail.
“As a Florida poker enthusiast, you want the freedom to play the game you love,” Brenner’s e-mail begins. “Today, Florida’s poker community is strong and growing, however this could change if anti-gambling proponents get their way and Amendment 3 is approved on November 6th (Election Day). That is why we are urging you to VOTE NO on Amendment 3 (emphasis theirs).”
“This problematic referendum will make it very difficult — if not impossible — to expand gaming opportunities in Florida,” Brenner continued. “If Amendment 3 passes it means there will be no new card rooms and, it definitely means that legalizing internet poker and sports betting in Florida becomes overwhelming underdogs.”
Brenner then notes the odd partnerships that have joined forces in favor of Amendment 3, not naming them outright but, as Poker News Daily stated last month, that include a major partnership between the Seminole Indian tribe and the powerful Disney Corporation. He also notes that every major newspaper in the Sunshine State has come out against the proposed Amendment. Brenner then moves in for the final statement to the Poker Alliance membership on the issue.
“Early voting has already started in Florida and Election Day is November 6th,” Brenner concludes. “So, whether you are mailing in your ballot early, or going to the polls on the 6th, the Poker Alliance urges you to VOTE NO on Amendment 3. Be sure to talk to your friends and family about why they should also VOTE NO, and you can share your opinion on Twitter by clicking here and posting a pre-filled tweet that says you’ll be voting no on Amendment 3.”
Future Actions from the Poker Alliance?
Some will say that it is a good thing that the Poker Alliance is getting into the game and there is another contingent that will say it is about time. Poker Central took over the PPA in June of this year, rebranding it at the same time to the Poker Alliance. But the organization (and its website) were silent for much of the remainder of the summer and into the fall, presumably getting reorganized under the new administration of Brenner.
The Poker Alliance made somewhat of an appearance during a hearing on sports betting in Congress back in September. Brenner stated at the time that the Poker Alliance was “in attendance” at a hearing examining options for federal legislators regarding sports betting and submitted a statement for the record. It was far from the usual aggressive campaign and action that the old PPA had taken, however, when it came to hearings in actually having a seat on the dais to discuss the issue.
That Congressional action and the recent e-mail from Brenner and the Poker Alliance could be signifying that the organization is looking to become more of a player in the discussion regarding poker, sports betting and other online gaming activities. Or it could be that the Poker Alliance is doing the bare minimum to satiate their followers. The coming months, as the drive for sports betting kicks up and online poker looks to tag along, may be a key indicator.
