Catania and Bolcerek give online gambling presentations to state legislators

19.01.2007

Last week's Florida Keys annual get together of the National Conference of State Legislatures had the opportunity to listen to two briefings on online gambling with particular emphasis on the poker element.

Michael Bolcerek of the 100 000 member Poker Player's Alliance and respected Internet gaming consultant, eCOGRA director and IGC board member Frank Catania both briefed delegates on the finer points of Internet gambling in an attempt to give a better understanding of the responsible side of the industry.

Although the agenda was weighted toward tribal gaming, horse racing and charitable fund raising gambling, the presentations on the online gambling and poker phenomenon were apparently listened to with interest.

Bolcerek reported that he felt his contribution had been productive: "I presented to state legislators the positive aspects of federal licensing and regulation of internet poker in the US," he said. "There remains a great deal of education of state legislators about internet poker, and I hope that this is just the first step in moving them in the right direction. I want to thank the National Counsel of Legislators from Gaming States for inviting the PPA to speak at their event, and look forward to additional discussions."