Poker Players Alliance Statement on today’s Kentucky Supreme Court hearing

Washington, DC (October 22, 2009) – The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today released the following statement by PPA Executive Director John Pappas on the Kentucky Supreme Court hearing on the Commonwealth’s appeal regarding its seizure of 141 internet gaming sites, including several of the leading sites where enthusiasts test their poker skills.

“On behalf of the PPA and its members, I am very pleased with the arguments presented today supporting the Kentucky Court of Appeals ruling prohibiting the Commonwealth’s seizure of these domain names and I strongly believe we will prevail. This case is about more than playing poker online – it’s about protecting Internet freedom and the individual rights of Kentucky residents.

“If the Commonwealth is truly interested in protecting consumers, it should put its energy in licensing and regulating online poker – which would also bring in millions in revenue – versus attempting to banish online poker through such a bold, broad and unlawful seizure.

“The PPA looks forward to a positive ruling from the Kentucky Supreme Court and hopes to work with lawmakers in the Commonwealth on the common sense solution of licensing and regulation.”