In order to play the game, you have to be in the game.

American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf Jr.

American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf Jr. is definitely in the game. And his recent move to stage one of the 2008 Presidential Debates at the University of Nevada, Reno, is a very good play. Sure, a Presidential Debate would shine a light on Nevada – a state already well-experienced with elaborate lighting – and bring many notable politicians back to the American adult playground known as Reno.

But his underlying agenda is clear: get the next group of Presidential contenders into the national epicenter of gaming, and get them active in the concerns of the gaming industry. This would be a brilliant opportunity to involve and educate the leading politicians on the issues that face us all – the most obvious one being the un-American UIGE Act. More importantly, it would be a fantastic opportunity to propose plans for the USA to re-take the leadership of the international gaming market.

President Fahrenkopf – we stand with you in this effort. We encourage everyone to fully support a 2008 Presidential Debate at the University of Nevada, Reno, and do everything possible to make this a reality.

Play Poker. Talk Poker. Poker is America.

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As flip as that may sound, it’s what needs to happen PDQ.

An article from the Poker Gazette points out that casino executives and a poker lobby group said that they hope a change in power brought by the midterm elections will help them overturn an Internet gambling ban rushed through Congress while Republicans were still in control.

Other notable: recently, officials from more than 30 countries attended a half-day conference near London to discuss ways to regulate the global internet gaming industry.

The gathering – held in the wake of a decision by the United States Government to effectively ban online gambling – was hosted by Britain’s Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, who has been harshly critical of the US move to crack down on online gaming, likening it to a new form of the 1920s prohibition on alcohol.

Even New Zealand officials attended – little New Zealand – and a feedback on the discussions is expected to be prepared for their Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker, who may have to decide next year whether to let the Lotteries Commission sell tickets over the internet.

And of course US officials declined an invitation to take part in the gathering at the Royal Ascot race course, which is the first international summit to discuss the global effects of internet gambling.

But here’s a way around the current lame-duck, last gasp culture-of-corruption that will try to run things [into the ground] for the next couple of months:

Instead of working with the outgoing losers, spend time working with the friends and possible friends of the industry, getting them up to speed on the true nature of the international gaming market, walking them through the benefits and phenomenal growth – highlighting such upsides as the “well-paying careers”.

At the very least, copy the crib notes from New Zealand and start to use those in an information-assault for a 6 month media blitz.

Even Senator Harry Reid stated – although he’s rejected online gaming in the past – that he’d be open to looking at the results of a new study on the industry.

So Terry Lanni, Chief Executive of MGM Mirage and high profile industry spokesman – hook up with Tessa Jowell, Britain’s Culture Secretary and outspoken UIGEA critic. Drink tea, trade notes, and let’s get to work on killing this corrupt, Freeloading Frist, special-interest edict – otherwise known as the un-American UIGE Act.

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Now that the party’s over, let’s get down to business.

Meet the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid

• Hails from Nevada
• Was the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission from 1977-1981
• As Chairman, Reid ushered in a new era of responsibility, paving the way for Nevada’s almost epic economic development
• Was awarded an Industry Leadership Award from the American Gaming Association in 2001
• Was not happy with Frist’s tactic of sneaking the UIGEA into the Safe Ports Act

Seems like a good candidate to put American poker back in the game, right?

As with any politician’s election, Senator Reid came with attachments – chits used to back his successful campaign – and those backings are soon to be cashed in. The land-based gaming industry is a major supporter of Harry Reid. That sole interest will be relying on the Senator to promote its agenda.

This is where common ground can be struck.

The land-based gaming industry, like every industry, is made up of a wide range of business interests. These interests run the range from conservative to progressive. And while they may not agree on the how’s and when’s of the internet, they all recognize the potential. The advancement of the international gaming market brings technology, management and expertise, which translates into well-paying careers and growing digital industries. Also, they know that money talks loud.

Fry some fish – Play Scarlet Poker

This is the mission: Poker players, related gaming bodies, and poker businesses must now assist the New Senate Majority Leader in understanding the role that American Leadership and American Entrepreneurship can take in the growing international gaming market.

Use the daily coverage of the international markets from the UK, Europe and Asia as verified proof that American Poker is conquering the world. Frame the discussion smartly so that it convinces before it has even begun. Stop using negative, tainted phrases such as “online gambling” and “offshore”. Start using positive phrases such as “international gaming market“, “leadership“, “ingenuity“, “well-paying careers“, and “entrepreneur“.

Senator Reid can pave the way to overturning the underhanded UIGE Act. He can open opportunities for American Poker to regain its leadership. He just needs help from us all – the Poker Players.

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