Rich Muny Replaces John Pappas as Poker Players Alliance Chief

John Pappas is stepping down from his position as the executive director of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) as the group shifts its focus away from the battle for regulated online poker and more towards regulated sports betting. Pappas is being replaced by former PPA vice president of player relations, Rich Muny.
Muny, himself a former professional poker player, has been with the organization since its inception.
Pappas’ departure marks the end of an era at the PPA as the group has largely achieved what it set out to do when it formed back in 2007. Since that time, several states have introduced regulated online poker; multiple other states are considering regulated online poker; and the pokers players impacted by Black Friday have largely been repaid.
That successful streak has left the organization in something of an awkward space. After all, what’s left for an industry-funded lobbying group that’s seemingly achieved all, or most, of what it set out to originally do? And, more importantly, how can you get that industry to keep funding your efforts once you’ve successfully achieved them?
For the PPA, the answer to these questions, and its best shot at remaining a viable entity, is to re-focus its efforts on the fight for regulated sports betting in America.
In a recent posting on its website, the PPA began querying its members about their thoughts on the sports betting debate and what they are looking for from the group.
In short, Muny is going to have his hands full as he faces the challenges of keeping the PPA relevant after having successfully achieved its goals.