If you haven’t heard by now, many online poker enthusiasts will not be enjoying the virtual tables again for some time. Recently, the US Department of Justice took actions against major poker sites that caused their quick and abrupt demise. PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker have shut their doors in light of the indictments; leaving countless accounts of table faithfuls frozen and up in the air. Some of these players make a substantial living off the online gambling life and have a significant amount of money tied up in the online freeze. Needless to say, virtual casino-goers are not pleased.
So how do these players intend to deal with this potentially detrimental issue? It appears that social media has become their primary outlet of airing grievances. The Poker Players Alliance, an advocacy group for the rights of poker players, has issued a call to action for all in the game to defend the right to play. The group now hosts an online page providing multiple resources for connecting with elected officials, the DOJ, and even President Obama himself. However, it is the social call to action that is revolutionizing the fight.
The PPA provides a link to the DOJ’s Facebook page and urges all supporters to air grievances through this channel. Through comments and ‘likes,’ online card flippers are taking over the DOJ’s Facebook wall one user at a time. Providing a pre-written letter, the ‘Take Action’ page is utilizing these social channels with formal, respectful ammunition for debate. The PPA is also utilizing various other social media channels, ranging from YouTube to a mobile iPhone app.
In the heat of the online gambling debate, it is unsure if the DOJ will turn to regulation and taxation in favor of the players. However, in another example of viral activism, social media has provided a primary outlet for action in a relatively niche community. It is this simple ability that continuously draws causes and communities alike to the growing power of such online conversations.
To learn more about the various outlets of debate, visit the Poker Players Alliance “Take Action” page.