The "We The People" poker petition mentioned late last week quickly reached the required 5,000 signatures over the weekend. As news spread in the U.S. poker community, people flooded to the official whitehouse.gov website to add their virtual signature to the cause. Having met the required goal, the petition will now have a definite White House staff review and ensure it’s sent to the appropriate policy experts before issuing an official response.

The message was a simple but important one that needs to reach all corners of the U.S. government and policy making establishment.We petition the Obama administration to protect consumers, create jobs and generate revenue by licensing and regulating online poker.

Appropriate regulation of online poker will put the U.S. in charge of safeguarding responsible adult players, prevent underage participation and protect those with excessive gaming habits. The current, unregulated U.S. marketplace does not guarantee a single consumer protection.

U.S. regulation of this global industry will also mean the creation of American jobs and billions in new revenue without raising taxes. Licensed U.S.-based horse race wagering sites have proven that online betting sites can be successfully regulated. It is time to allow online poker the same opportunity.