Last week, I shared with you a plan to get individual lawmakers involved in helping to expedite remission processing for those of us with accounts on Full Tilt Poker. I have very good news on that front. On August 1st, Full Tilt Poker Claims Administrator Garden City Group posted a status update on their website promising that the claims process will begin “shortly” and clarifying that remission will be based on final balances and not on deposits. I encourage you to read the entire statement on their website, atwww.fulltiltpokerclaims.com.

This announcement shows that progress is being made. Over the past several weeks, PPA and the poker community intensified its pressure on the DOJ and Garden City Group to expedite full remission of player funds. Even members of Congress began weighing in on behalf of their constituents. While many factors contributed to the timing of the announcement, there is little doubt player activism played an important role.

While this announcement is much-needed good news, we cannot rest now. We are seeking specifics, including dates for application, expected dates for processing, etc. We are also seeking as streamlined a process as possible.

U.S. vs. DiCristina Appeal Update
Yesterday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed the U.S. vs. DiCristina ruling. The ruling was not contested on the basis of poker being a game of skill or not, so that remains intact. Here’s PPA’s statement on the unfortunate reversal:

“Today’s decision by the 2nd Circuit Court, while unfortunate, only adds to the growing call for federal clarity on the definition of gambling. The 2nd Circuit clearly did not dispute the district court’s finding that poker is a game of skill. This is a key point distinguishing poker from the types of gambling games that Congress and state legislatures have often tried to prohibit. What the court did was conclude that the IGBA does not set forth an independent federal definition of gambling, but instead only incorporates state law.

“Ample academic studies and judicial rulings at the state and federal level have concluded that poker is indeed a game of skill. Period. The PPA will continue to advocate for a clear, federal definition of gambling as a game predominated by chance, thus preserving the right of Americans to play this great game of skill.

“The PPA stands ready to support Mr. DiCristina should he choose to appeal this decision, and we are committed to working through the judicial and legislative processes to establish a clear definition of gambling based on the predominance test.”

More…

The PPA’s Rich Muny (left) with Gary Johnson — not just some Libertarian crackpot, but rather a successful two-term governor and creator of a 1,000-employee construction company.

Last week, I broke the news that the 2012 Republican Party Platform includes a plank advocating a national prohibition on online poker. I am pleased to report that reaction has been strong. Many poker players and supporters let GOP leadership know just how they feel about this attack on our game. I obviously condemn this plank without reservation and I know we will all continue to make ourselves heard on this important issue, through Election Day and beyond.

Yesterday, PPA learned that the 2012 Democratic Party Platform is silent on the issue of online poker. While clearly far better than advocacy for a ban, I think they missed a golden opportunity to reach out to America’s poker players and supporters in what is sure to be a very close election.

Let’s all continue to do our part to let all of our elected representatives know where we stand!

Gov. Gary Johnson Returns to the Poker Advocacy Webcast

The only pro-poker candidate in the presidential election, Libertarian nominee former Gov. Gary Johnson, has actively reached out to the poker community. Last year, he met with poker players at the PPA World Series of Poker® booth. I had him on my webcast, Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny, at that time as well.
With impeccable timing, I will have Gov. Johnson back on the program next Monday evening (9/10) at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT for what is sure to be a great discussion! Listen at www.ontiltradio.com/ppa.