On April 14th, one day before taxes are due in the United States, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) will be hosting an Ante Up for Africa charity poker tournament at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C.
The hotel hosted a large-scale Capitol Hill fly-in last July, complete with a poker tournament that benefited the USO of Metropolitan Washington. This time around, the Hyatt Regency will play host to an Ante Up for Africa fundraiser hosted by organization co-founder Annie Duke. The UB.com pro is fresh off a win in the National Heads-Up Poker Championship and co-founded the organization, which brings money and awareness to the crisis in Darfur, along with Norman Epstein and “Oceans 11” actor Don Cheadle in 2006.
Co-Chairing the charity poker tournament is Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The lawmaker introduced the Internet Poker and Game of Skill Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act last August. The measure, numbered S 1597, seeks to license and regulate online games of skill like poker in the United States.
S 1597 is overwhelmingly poker-friendly and reads in part, “Poker, in particular, enjoys a long tradition in the United States. Poker is part of the cultural and recreational fabric of the United States and has been since the founding days of the United States. United States poker aficionados have included presidents, judges, and statesmen throughout the history of the United States.” The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, but has not been acted upon. Joining Menendez at the event will be fellow New Jersey legislator Donald Payne (D-NJ).
Also Co-Chairing the PPA’s Ante Up for Africa event is Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA). McDermott has made headlines in recent days by introducing HR 4976, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act. The bill came to life on March 25th and features three original co-sponsors: Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Barney Frank (D-MA), and John Larson (D-CT). McDermott’s measure imposes a 2% federal tax on deposits onto licensed internet gambling sites along with a 6% state tax. In addition, HR 4976 allocates a portion of the funds raised to those currently or formerly in foster care, historic preservation initiatives, and the arts.
Four longstanding poker pros will head up the industry’s contingent in Washington, D.C. In addition to Duke, Full Tilt Poker pro and former MIT Blackjack Team member Andy Bloch will be on-hand. Bloch lacks a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet, but has made a pair of final tables on the World Poker Tour (WPT). Joining Bloch will be Duke’s brother, Howard Lederer. “The Professor” is a staple of the live and online poker worlds and owns a pair of bracelets.
Also making his way to the hotel near Capitol Hill will be 2004 WSOP Main Event champion Greg Raymer. A former patent attorney, Raymer is well-spoken and a regular at the industry’s largest charity events. He owns nearly $6.5 million in career WSOP earnings and is a card-carrying member of Team PokerStars Pro. Poker author Jim McManus is scheduled to be in attendance as well.
The price tag for the PPA charity tournament benefiting Ante Up for Africa is $500 and corporate sponsorships are available. Up for grabs is a $10,000 WSOP Main Event seat and the action gets underway at 6:30pm local time on April 14th. Also on the line is a two-day WSOP Academy poker training experience. Registration is available on the PPA’s website and space is limited.
The PPA is the poker industry’s main lobbying voice and boasts more than one million members. Other members of Congress will be announced as they are confirmed.
