Internet poker takes seat at table of politics
Michael Bolcerek is anxious about the future of online poker.
Bolcerek, a former Silicon Valley businessman, is executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, a fast-growing political group that claims more than 100,000 members. Millions of Americans play online poker, but despite its popularity there's a growing movement to restrict wagering on the game.
In June, Washington state banned online gambling, including poker. Last month the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, which would prevent banks and credit card companies from processing electronic payments to Internet gambling sites. The Senate is scheduled to vote on that bill next month.
Bolcerek says the Alliance is working to sway the Senate on the proposed Internet gambling measure.