WASHINGTON, D.C -- As reported by the Associated Press: "The Poker Players Alliance spent $900,000 in 2007 to lobby the federal government on online- gambling legislation.

"The group, which says it represents 800,000 poker enthusiasts nationwide, lobbied on a bill that would exempt poker from a law that restricts online gambling, and for legislation that would regulate the Internet gaming industry, according to a disclosure form posted online Feb. 15 by the Senate's public records office.

"...It's legal to play poker online, but the law made it illegal for domestic banks and credit-card companies to process payments to online gambling businesses..."