Massachusetts Poker Cards Played Right

In Massachusetts, the bill HR 3954, introduced in late 2007 by Governor Deval Patrick was drafted and designed to keep gamblers inside their home state instead of flooding into nearby Connecticut or Atlantic City, by permitting the construction of three casino resorts.

However, it was also included that any and all forms on online gambling, mainly poker, would be deemed illegal and could be punishable with fines up to $25,000 and 2 years in prison, which of course angered many people.

With the ushering in of a new year, the bill was up for renewal and introduced by state Representatives Brian Wallace (D-4 Suffolk) and Martin Walsh (D-13 Suffolk), and they have some mighty good news for their New Year's resolutions (pardon the pun)!

While the online gambling legal jargon was still included originally in the bill, Rep. Wallace has confirmed that they intend to remove the clause, which effectively allows online poker to be legal once more and credits this change of heart due to a moving presentation made by Harvard Law Professor, Charles Nesson.

Poker thinking
Professor Nesson is the founder of the Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society (GPSTS) which advocates that poker can teach strategic thinking, geopolitical analysis, risk assessment and money management, the members and most importantly, Professor Charles Nesson says:

"We see poker as a metaphor for skills of life, business, politics and international relations. Poker teaches strategy. I am supported in the enterprise of legitimating poker as an instrument of education, research and Internet development by friends and clients who share this interest."

Jumping on the bandwagon...
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) has also formally published a positive, open thank you letter applauding the action taken against the poker ban.

Looks like change is on the horizon...and as we've learned since the new year has ascended in the U.S.A., "yes we can!"