State of Washington makes it a felony to play Online Poker

[casheasy]

In recent months it's been Washington D.C. that has taken most of the spotlight when it comes to governments trying to put a ban on online gaming including online poker, but now the spotlight shifts to Washington state which is now one of the first states in the country to actually pass a law banning the play of online poker. The law will go into effect June 7, 2006.

The bill which was initially introduced in the Senate by State Senator Margarita Prentice, SB 6613 sailed through on to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Before being passed on to the House, however, the bill was amended to make the proposed punishment for playing online poker and other forms of online gaming even more severe. This amendment provided that placing bets online would be considered a Class C Felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and is on the same legal level as being convicted as a sexual predator.

One question constantly asked is how does the state of Washington plans on enforcing this law. No word yet from Washington, but some thoughts were credit card, bank statements and possibly ISP's being subpoenaed which will obviously raise opposition from privacy groups and probably the ACLU.

We'll be watching this story closely and will update you on any changes or oppositions to this new anti-online gaming ban.

[BettorsChat]

The US Government already lost to Antiqua at the UN regarding this issue. Right now the USA hasn't given in to the loss and is being sanctioned daily. So I don't know how a State can do the same.

[BUD GREGG]

Amazing That We Live In A Country Whose Answer Is Always To Ban, Make Unlawful Somthing That They Precieve As Illegal Or Morally Wrong................how About The Approach That People Are Going To Do It Thus Why Not Make It Legal With Government Control Thus Always Being Aware Of The Situation And Getting Tax Revenue From It................................

[rwall]

Amazing That We Live In A Country Whose Answer Is Always To Ban, Make Unlawful Somthing That They Precieve As Illegal Or Morally Wrong................how About The Approach That People Are Going To Do It Thus Why Not Make It Legal With Government Control Thus Always Being Aware Of The Situation And Getting Tax Revenue From It................................

This makes WAAAYYYY to much sense for a politician to understand.

[bhs4life]

WHats gilbert arenas going to do during halftime he wants to be traded

[VinnieB]

BUT....I can get in my car, and go to at least 15 neighborhoods that come to mind, and buy CRACK, POT, COCAINE, HEROIN, and God knows what else.....and these liberal goody two shoes asshole politicians can point the finger at someone that wants to put $50 on a sporting event....UNBELIEVABLE. I got busted once for "illegal gambling" and the cop told me I was "destroying the moral fiber of society"... I heard he died choking on a Dunkin Munchkin.....

[swghost]

I keep forgetting what is so free about this country sometimes. What about ..."for the people by the people?" What the hell is thier mo, who cares what someone does as long as it dosen't harm anyone. How does this harm people?

[SustainDan]

The only reason why the US tries to do everything they can to stop this shit is because its the only aspect of revenue that they dont get kickbacks from...If they were receiving money from every sportsbook they wouldnt mind at all anyone gambling, hell if they got kickbacks theyd probably lower the age requirement....why do you think vegas runs easily without trouble...because Mr. Bush is getting pocket money from the slot machines

Dan

[BIGTEX]

yeah, but you can play there state lottery I'm sure!

[savage1]

In my mind the whole matter of gambling is sad and trite.
By my way of thinking it is infinitely more importnat to think about the fact we live in a country which is ruled by a pathetic Administration, whose sole motives are to cater to the rich.
Thousands of innocent people have died needlessly on both sides in Iraq and billions upon billions of dollars have been wasted, while the real thread (Osama) still walks.
And worse, respect around the world for the US is at an alltime low, gas prices are soaring; thankfully more and more peole in this country are waking up to the above.
But of course some people are very concerned still about internet gambling. Could some of these be the same folks who thought Clinton's fling with Monica and lying about it is worse than the total disgusting mess in this country brought about by this corrupt, totally incompetent, embarrassing and self-serving Administration?