A big moment in online gaming and the state of Massachusetts happened recently when an amendment approving online gambling was voted on and approved by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The amendment met the approval of the Representatives after two years of deliberation between the state and the Poker Players Alliance- a grassroots organization supporting the rights of poker players in the United States.
Massachusetts Approves of Online Gaming
The bill, which will be signed into law shortly in the state of Massachusetts, clearly states that gambling online shall be legal in the state of Massachusetts. The bill came to pass after a previous bill was brought forth in 2008 that made online gaming illegal. The penalty for playing poker online in Massachusetts came with a two year jail sentence or a fine up to $25,000.
Shortly after the first bill was put in to motion, the Poker Players Alliance began working with state legislatures for an amendment that removed the criminal charges associated with online gambling. Two years later, their efforts paid off.
The Poker Players Alliance
click here to see most Popular PagesThe Poker Players Alliance is a nationwide grassroots organize. Currently, there are over one million members in the United States, and 25,000 members in the state of Massachusetts. Poker Players Alliance is headed by John Pappas. John Pappas and the other members of the alliance work closely with legislatures to influence the outcome of gambling related laws in the United States. Massachusetts was a big win for the organization.
What The New Law Means for Massachusetts
The new bill will put an end to any fines or jail time associated with online gambling going forward. This does not mean, however, that the state does support, or will support, other gambling endeavors in the future. However, it is still a big win for gambling and online poker enthusiasts in the state of Massachusetts. Any resident who is of legal age to gamble is now welcome to do so inside their state.
