As many of us, who play poker in the USA, are painfully aware, the United States government is steadily making it harder and harder for us to continue our favorite pass time. Recent legislation has made it more difficult for banks in the USA to deposit funds overseas for the purpose of internet gambling. This raises the question "Is playing poker actually gambling?" The Poker Players Alliance says no.

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is an organization made up of poker players from all over the USA, as well as some commercial poker operators. They say that poker is not gambling because there is more skill than luck involved. They say that many poker professionals, such as Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer and Phil Gordon, make a living playing poker. These people would not be able to do that if there was no skill involved in the game, the PPA says.

If you've ever taken a bad beat on the river, had pocket rockets beat by a 7 6 off suit, or something similar, or folded a junk hand only to find that, had you stayed in, you would have won, then you know that there is, undoubtedly, some luck involved in playing poker. None of us who have ever played poker can claim that there is no luck involved.

What the PPA claims, and anyone who has ever played poker should agree with, is that the luck factor is small compared to the skill factor. They say that, if anyone studies the game and know the rules, they can consistently win. Therefore, poker is not a game of chance, but a game of skill. This is backed up by professional players, such as Phil Hellmuth, who actually make a living playing poker.

Furthermore, the Poker Players Alliance has been steadily compiling news articles, lobbying to local and state officials and generally raising awareness. They've discovered that, even though 75% of Americans seem to be opposed to banning poker, many states do not allow poker playing and people are being arrested or fined for playing poker in several states. Essentially, the PPA feels like the US government is no longer listening to the majority in this situation. The PPA feels that the government is trying to control things and remove freedoms that we, the poker players of the United States, deserve.

Also, many poker tournaments are done to support good causes and charitable organizations. Certain local and state governments have been cracking down recently on these charity tournaments. Many poker players have even been arrested or fined. As a result, the PPA says that charities are losing valuable sources of income.

While there are laws prohibiting playing poker in actual buildings , in some states, there are no laws prohibiting US residents from playing online poker, but recent laws are making it harder for US players to play at some websites. These laws are blurring the lines. Poker is caught in the ensuing gray area. Some sites are afraid that the laws can be interpreted to include poker, so they are banning US members as a precaution. Also, many banks are not allowing deposits to poker sites, even if the sites themselves do still allow US players.

The PPA is on a mission to band all poker players together and protect our rights to play poker, either for fun or professionally. They want to dispel the myth that playing poker is illegal. They want to prove that it is a game of mostly skill, not luck and they want the United States government to officially acknowledge that playing poker should not be covered by gambling laws.

We can't change the government's mind as individuals. It's only if we get together and form a unified front that we stand a chance of getting our voices heard. The PPA wants to help us to increase our influence and make ourselves heard. So, if you want to make a difference and protect your right to play poker, contact the PPA and get in on the action.