PPA Looking to Expand into Sports Betting As Pappas Steps Down

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The Poker Player’s Alliance (PPA) made a huge announcement regarding the future of their leadership on Wednesday. In a press release issued early Wednesday, the PPA announced that Executive Director John Pappas would be stepping down after over a decade in the role.

Replacing him is Vice President Rich Muny. In addition, it appears that the agency is beginning to shift its focus to sports betting and are looking to get feedback from members about their new change in direction.

Pappas Steps Down As Executive Director – Will Remain on Board

Wednesday’s press release started with the announcement that John Pappas will step down as Executive Director of the PPA at the end of February. He’s leaving the position after over a decade in the role. He will continue to serve on the board and as a strategic advisor.

Pappas will be replaced by present VP Rich Muny. He will now serve to manage the day-to-day operations of the advocacy group. Of the move, Pappas stated, “There has never been greater momentum than right now for the advancement of sensible internet gaming policy in the U.S. Whether lawmakers are considering poker, casino gambling or even sports betting, a strong and organized grassroots effort will be critical to legislative success.

I am proud of the work I have done with the PPA board of directors and the amazing PPA staff to bring us to this point. I will miss working for the poker community on a day-to-day basis, but I am confident that the PPA will continue its great work with Rich Muny at the helm.”

Incoming PPA President Rich Muny also commented, stating, “I am honored that the PPA Board of Directors and the poker community have entrusted me with this role, and I join my fellow board members in thanking John Pappas for his decade of outstanding leadership in the fight for poker. I look forward to leading the poker community in this fight, building on the terrific successes of 2017.”

PPA to Expand into Sports Betting Advocacy

Another interesting reveal in the press release is that the agency is looking to shift their focus and may start lobbying for sports betting and consumer advocacy. Why the shift? They admitted in the press release that over the last few months, “the PPA has been adjusting to a significant reduction in financial support from the internet gaming industry and thusly has refocused its efforts on cost-effective grassroots advocacy.”

What does that mean in layman’s terms? It means they are relying mostly on individuals to do the legwork. If you have paid attention, a lot of their advocacy over the last year has been restricted to email campaigns. Quite often they have asked for members to email members of Congress in support of the online poker.

Yes, they have shown up or submitted testimony in many of the online gambling hearings across the country, but there really hasn’t been an overwhelming prescience from the group for quite some time it seems.

At the end of the press release, the announced they are “gauging its membership interest on the topic of sports betting and consumer advocacy. With changes to federal and state laws governing sports betting being considered this year, it is important to know if PPA’s large and organized advocacy efforts can be leveraged to assist consumers as new public policy around sports betting is established.”

The PPA has now set up a webpage dedicated to sports betting and members can expect to get a survey about sports betting advocacy soon.

Going Where the Money Is?

It’s no secret that online gambling in the United States is growing very slowly and online poker as a whole is not a very viable vehicle for gambling expansion. While now available in three states, it pales in comparison to general online gambling.

In addition, should New Jersey win its challenge of federal law regarding sports betting, other states will follow and the sports betting market could explode. This is a ripe opportunity for an advocacy group like the PPA to get some money flowing into the organization.

Granted, should other states examine sports betting, it is likely that poker could become a component of gambling expansion at least in some states, therefore aligning with the original goals of the organization.

On the surface, some could call this a money grab. However, it is actually a wise move by the advocacy group for its future. Online poker is not going to go anywhere fast but sports betting has massive potential.

If realized, online poker could also benefit as a side effect. The PPA will likely move forward in this area despite the opinions of members, but if you’re looking for what is best for the future of online poker and gambling in general, then expansion into sports betting is necessary.