PPA Employs Prime Lobbyist/Law Firm In Washington

US poker advocate group Poker Player's Alliance (PPA) has been highly involved in the initiative to declare poker a 'game of skill', thereby omitting online poker from the legislation set forth by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006. To boost their efforts, the PPA has acquired the assistance and support of Washington DC based lobbyist and law firm Barnes & Thornburg.

As reported in The Politco, according to Senate secretariat files, Barnes & Thornburg will provide "general government representation including, but not limited to, legislative and regulatory initiatives involving internet gaming." 

Earlier this year, the PPA employed their first permanent Washing D.C. liaison and PPA vice president, John Pappas. This latest move further reveals their heightened momentum and motivation in achieving their goal. 

Previous clients of Barnes & Thornburg include the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and other local boards of commissioners. More than $2 million in revenue was procured by Barnes & Thornburg's lobbying efforts in 2006.