Online poker to be banned?

I appreciate YNC putting this on here. As an avid Poker Player, I spend a lot of time playing on-line. I don't consider myself a gambler, although I will occasionally bet on a game and things of that nature. I understand that Poker has had a long-standing perception as a game of "luck". This perception is typically help by people who don't play the game and even some inexperienced players. However it has been proven that the skilled players are the winning players throughout their career. Anyone can get "lucky" and win a pot, or maybe even one tournament. However, "luck" won't help anyone be a winner over time. To be successful in the game of poker, you have to make correct decisions most of the time. Especially in a No-Limit game, where you can lose all of your chips/money in one hand. One incorrect move can be the difference between doubling or tripling your chip stack, or losing it all. Everyone has different perceptions of what "luck" is. I won't get into mine, but I do want to bring up one of the main reasons I feel this law would be not only a violation of our rights, but also hipocritical. There are many luck based activities that are legal, some of which are even funded by our state and national governments. Lottery tickets, Scratch tickets, Horse racing, Dog racing, Slot machines, Keno, Bingo and many other games/activities are perfectly legal in various states. All of these activities are very much luck based. A person who is experienced in horse or dog racing may disagree, I honestly don't know enough about it to know how much skill is involved. That is the exact point I'm trying to make. I find it disturbing that the ignorance of some politicians could possibly result in one of my favorite activities/games/hobbies, and secondary source of income to become illegal. I was born in the state of Washington and am sad to see they feel that on-line poker is on the same level as a sex offender who doesn't register with the state. Personally, I feel this is a violation of our freedom. I hope others will join me in contacting our representatives and telling them we want to say "NO!" to H.R. 4777, Internet Gambling Prohibition Act.

Nice article in today's York Daily Record, in the "Local" section regarding this. Has some interviews from local players, both of whom I have enjoyed the opportunity of playing poker with. There was also an article yesterday that confirmed rep. Platts is in favor of passing this bill. Please make sure to read this article and contact rep Platts to let him know how you feel about this.