It has been one week since the United States Department of Justice indictments against the owners and sites, PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker, effectively shutting down U.S. access to online poker for the vast majority of poker players. After the shock, panic, outrage and confusion, players are left wondering what they should do now? What can they do now? It's time to speak up!

The Poker Players Alliance, the major U.S. lobbying group representing over a million members officially in the U.S., that there are over 50 million Americans who have played poker in some form, with between 8-10 million Americans who have have played online and have real money on online poker sites. ESPN columnist Gary Wise indicated that there are over 50,000 professional poker players of varying degree in the U.S. Whether you are a recreational player, amateur with aspirations, or a professional poker player, now is the time to speak up and have your voice heard.

There are many ways that you can contribute your voice:

1) Contact your lawmaker via the PPA.

2) Sign an independent petition to the President and Congress.

3) Write an article or op-ed piece for publication - A couple stand out examples:

PPA Chairman Alfonse D'Amato Article

Matt Matros article

4) Express yourself in a blog and promote it - A couple female player examples:

Blog #1

Blog #2

5) Call or otherwise contact your state and federal representatives. Making that extra effort to go to a town meeting or hand-write something to express your opinion will carry more weight than any online submission.

It may seem that you are but one voice, but your actions symbolically represent many others that never choose to step up and act. Poker is legislated and regulated all around the world, except in the U.S., its home. This should change and you must do your part to push that effort along.

It has already been argued that pressure from poker players in powerful positions in combination with the public efforts so far, expedited the DOJ's negotiated compromise this week with PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker to return the .com domains and facilitate the eventual return of player funds.

While the eventual guilt of the indicted poker rooms and owners might not be decided for months and years, the lobbying for a safe, legislated and regulated online poker environment for all Americans should go ahead immediately. Poker's home and largest market should find a solution and soon.

We all have extra time on our hands now. So take a few minutes, step up, and do your part!

Op-Ed: Is it your turn to speak up?