Rep. Wexler and PPAs D'Amato Make WSOP Appearance
Before event 1D began, D'Amato spoke to the large field of players, encouraging them to write to their Congressmen and Senators asking for a repeal of the UIGEA.
D'Amato posed the question, "Why should Americans not be able to play poker online when they can bet on the ponies online?" The crowd cheered unanimously, then D'Amato got day 1D underway yelling, "Shuffle up and deal'em!"
Some hours later, Wexler took his turn to speak to the competitors, who paused from the action to listen as he expressed his interest in legalizing online poker for the American people.
"A few months ago, the government made a big mistake. They butted into the lives of Americans - told them they couldn't play poker." Wexler spoke in reference to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. "Poker is as much our pastime as baseball. It's a game of skill." The crowd cheered to Wexler's statement. He then went on, as D'Amato before him, encouraging each player to write their Senator and Congressmen in support of his legislative proposal that would allow US citizens to place wagers on skill games, including poker.
Applauding wildly with approval, the energized players resumed action at their respective WSOP tables.