And Now a Word from Our Sponsor...

OK, it's been awhile since I've posted. There are lots of things I should talk about and a few I shouldn't, but suffice it to say, life in Dublin hasn't been too bad. I'm still in temporary housing, although I'm now near City Center, which is very nice. The weather is ever changable, the food is usually mediocre, and potatoes come with everything. Really. I'm not kidding.

All that aside, I do want to share this open letter from Full Tilt Poker regarding the new Internet gaming bill that Congress shoved through over the weekend. If you play online poker, this is important. Join the PPA. Call your Congressman/woman. Vote.

OK.. no more ranting... here's the copy:

An Open Letter from Full Tilt Poker on the State of Online Poker

As many people are well aware, the United States Congress recently passed legislation that aims to make it illegal for U.S. banks to process transactions related to online gaming.

We, like all online poker players, are dismayed and saddened by these potential regulations, and are doing our best to determine what these changes will mean to our customers. We are continuing to study this legislation and, until our investigation is complete, believe it would be wrong to comment on how these new rules will impact the ability for players to transfer funds to and from Full Tilt Poker.

In the short term, we assure you that your online experience at Full Tilt Poker will not change. You will still be able to deposit and withdraw money from the site using the same methods and payment processors as usual, and your money will remain completely safe and secure. We cannot predict how the online experience may change in the future, but we do not expect any immediate impacts from the legislation as the banking industry has 270 days to implement new rules after the bill is signed.

It is also important to note that, once signed, the new legislation will not criminalize individuals for playing poker online. Instead, the bill will eventually attempt to prevent the transfer of funds to online gaming. As poker is a game of skill rather than pure chance, we hope that it will not be affected by this new bill. Speculation aside, however, we will continue to work closely with organizations like the Poker Player’s Alliance to lobby for an exemption for online poker and for your right to play a truly American game from the privacy of your own home and computer.

While this last-minute congressional move has undoubtedly caused concern among our players, we want to assure you that Full Tilt Poker is legally regulated and licensed to offer its services to anyone around the world and that your day-to-day experience at the site will remain unchanged in all respects.

Full Tilt Poker