Poker Players Alliance Changing Locations

The Poker Players Alliance broke the news today that it is both changing leadership and picking up and moving to Washington D.C. - the hub of where all of its efforts are concentrated. PPA President Michael Bolcerek stepped down in order to stay with his family in San Francisco, where the organization is currently based. John Pappas, who has served as vice president of government affairs for the PPA since May and acted as an outside consultant before that, became the executive director of the PPA following Bolcerek’s resignation. *This is the right time for me to step aside as we move the PPA operations to Washington, D.C.,* said Bolcerek. I am happy to have helped the cause of American poker players and expect to see continued success from the efforts of Senator Alfonse DAmato and our new executive director, John Pappas. Moving the base of operations to Washington, D.C., will likely produce positive results for the organization, as it will be easier and faster to orchestrate lobbying efforts from such a centralized location. The move is especially significant considering that legislation regarding online poker that has grown legs recently. The proposals, H.R. 2046 and H.R. 2610, the brainchildren of Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) are meant to help Internet poker become a regulated, rather than restricted, industry in the U.S. *This is an exciting time for the PPA and our members,* said D’Amato. The PPA has become an influential force fighting for the rights of poker players to enjoy this game of skill. There is wide support and momentum in the U.S. Congress to enact sensible legislation to regulate online poker and provide the necessary safeguards to all players. It is vital that the PPA centralize its efforts in DC, so we can best serve the interests of our 660,000-plus members. The PPA’s current contact information (in San Francisco) is (415) 975-0897, and the organization will formally announce new contact information when the move to Washington  DC - is complete.