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Contact:Teresa Schofieldtschofield@theheraldgroup.com(202) 347-7516

Regulating Online Poker Top Technology Issue inWhite House Citizens’ Briefing Book

Washington, DC (May 12, 2009)

–The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today praised therelease of the White House Citizen’s Briefing Book, a compilation of voter-led policy proposalsthat includes as one of its top items the licensing and regulation of online poker.“Poker players around the country are speaking with one voice to protect the game they love, andthe White House is hearing that message,” said PPA Executive Director John Pappas. “The popularity of online poker continues to grow, and the fact that poker is the top technology issue – and the 11

issue overall – proves that this is not a niche issue, but a national public policy thatthis Congress and this president should advance this year.”As part of President Obama’s transition, the White House asked citizens to submit a policy proposal that would be voted on through their website,www.change.gov. Those with thestrongest support were included in a “briefing book” to the president, and the number onetechnology item was “Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker,” which received46,890 points.In addition to garnering the attention of the White House, House Financial Services ChairmanBarney Frank (D-MA) introduced legislation last week, H.R 2267, to establish U.S. licensing andregulation of Internet poker, providing for greater protections to keep children and problemgamblers off these sites while allowing for strong consumer protections for adult consumers whoenjoy this great American pastime.“We hope the Administration hears and acts upon the clear message sent via the Citizen’sBriefing Book – keep online poker legal through thoughtful regulation. The poker communitystands ready to work with President Obama and Congress to make sure the will of the people isacted upon,” Pappas continued.The submission, which was crafted by online poker player Aaron Huertas of Washington, D.C.,reads as follows:

About The Poker Players Alliance

The Poker Players Alliance ( www.pokerplayersalliance.org

) is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of over 1,000,000 online and offline poker players and enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and to protect poker players’ rights.