Online Poker Top Issue for Obama

When the "White House Citizen's Briefing Book" was released, online poker was listed as the top technology issue.

With the site change.gov, Barak Obama invited US citizens to submit their affaris of the heart to give their new president a head start in his new office. Citizens could also vote for the submitted proposals.

When the site closed, the proposal to "Boost America's Economy with Legal Online Poker" had received almost 47,000 votes.

Top technology and #11 overall

This strong support from citizens across the country makes online poker the number one topic in the Technology category of the Citizen's Briefing Book, and number 11 overall.

"Poker players around the country are speaking with one voice to protect the game they love, and the White House is hearing that message," said John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance.

"This proves that this is not a niche issue, but a national public policy that this Congress and this president should advance this year. We hope the Administration hears and acts upon the clear message sent via the Citizen's Briefing Book."

The original proposal

The proposal was submitted by online poker player Aaron Huertas of Washington, D.C. It reads as follows:

"Let online poker players in the United States play legally and without fear of prosecution. Reform the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to exempt poker, a game of skill, from the law. Boost the economy by letting American companies and Ameican players make money and pay taxes instead of sending online poker businesses offshore. Protect online poker players by regulating the industry to ensure that no one is ever cheated."

-- AAHue