PLAYERS' MARCH PLANNED FOR WASHINGTON ON COLUMBUS DAY

(636) (8-October-2006)

Short notice, but players are determined to make their feelings known

Player outrage at the content of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and the manner in which it was passed attached to a more urgent but unrelated law will be given an outlet Monday in Washington.

Online gamblers will seek to obtain media coverage in the capital for their opposition to the proposal, which seeks to hamper the financial channels used by US players in pursuit of their entertainment of choice at online gambling companies.
 
The bill is currently awaiting the President's signature before it becomes law.  Media reports indicate that the signing is likely to take place on Friday October 13 but protestors are requesting that the president reconsider.

According to organiser Debbie Richardson , "....many things can happen as a result of the protest." She went on to say that President Bush is allowed to strip away add-on bills to primary bills he is signing so that they can be sent back to Congress to be debated and voted on as individual bills.

Richardson, who planned to be in Washington over the weekend in order to set up Monday's protest, believes it is important to voice opinions in Washington before Friday the 13th in order that the president has time to consider the strong opposition to the bill.

"If we don't fight for our rights and our freedom we lose," says Richardson. "We are urging all supporters of freedom to go to Washington to protest the bill that would stop online gaming. Everyone that can possibly go needs to show up and fight for freedom. If we let them take this right away from us," she says, "what will be next?"

Demonstrators will meet in front of the Washington Monument on Monday, October 9th at 9am EST. A large turn out is expected.