First State To Ban Internet Poker

[jdquads 0]

http://table-tango.pokerworks.com/2006/05/...r-ban/#more-775New Law to Take Effect June 7 While most attention in the debate over online gambling has centered on Capitol Hill, the state of Washington has stepped to the forefront of the Internet gaming issue. Unbeknownst to many Americans, the Evergreen State adopted an outright ban of online poker, stiffening penalties for those who wager on hands over the Internet. How did this happen without a huge controversy splashed over all the nation’s newspapers? Unfortunately, sponsors of the legislation moved their legislation quickly and quietly with few noticing it until Gov. Christine Gregoire signed it into law.In January, Washington state Sen. Margarita Prentice introduced legislation “reaffirming and clarifying the prohibition against Internet and certain other interactive electronic or mechanical devises to engage in gambling.” Just a few weeks later, the bill was approved by the state Senate and moved into the Washington House where it was amended to increase the punishment for engaging in online wagering — up from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C felony. Such a level of a crime is punishable with up to 10 years in prison, the same amount of jail time reserved for sex offenders who fail to register with the state. After gaining approval in the state House, the bill was on the fast track to the governor’s office. The new law will take effect on June 7. Overturning the law is possible — such a move would require “super majorities” of both state bodies — but it’s highly unlikely. The Poker Players Alliance believes that Washington state politicians should NOT have the last laugh on this issue. Little debate took place on this legislation. The media didn’t publicize it. The public was unaware. As a result, politicians were free to cast their ballots without guidance from the views of their constituents.*end email*

[ricker 0]

holy crap....why do politicians hate poker so much??????????

[jdquads 0]

Great I live in Washington. Same as a rapist such crap. More bs from a govenor who should have never won the election. She sued for a recount mutliple times untill she got enough and then they said no more recounts to give the orginal winner a chance to recount.

[Kuge 0]

Great I live in Washington. Same as a rapist such crap.

Well...you can always play online poker...get caught, get convicted, then appeal it all the way to the supreme court. Have the supreme court say that banning online poker unconstitutional, thus eliminating the ban on online poker once and for all. You could be a savior for the online poker player community

[The Bwaves 0]

Brutal.

[jdquads 0]

Well...you can always play online poker...get caught, get convicted, then appeal it all the way to the supreme court. Have the supreme court say that banning online poker unconstitutional, thus eliminating the ban on online poker once and for all. You could be a savior for the online poker player community

My signin on fulltilt is jdquads. Everyone send me 1 dollar so I can then fund my legal bills. In all reallity that would cost so much.SW

[hardkorbeatz 0]

Well...you can always play online poker...get caught, get convicted, then appeal it all the way to the supreme court. Have the supreme court say that banning online poker unconstitutional, thus eliminating the ban on online poker once and for all. You could be a savior for the online poker player community

sounds like a plan 2 me. looks like ur gonna have 2 take 1 for the team jd

[acesfull333 0]

I saw this earlier and was shocked... I can't believe they were able to get this through so quietly!It's going to be an interesting battle...-will the Vegas (corporate) casinos be allowed to get into online gaming/poker as they are now asking for?- if so, will that mean the end of off-shore sites? Online gaming could come under drastic changes in the next few years...will it be good or bad for most of us though?!?

[jdquads 0]

I guess I will only keep a bare min on line now for a while. Dont want to loose it if they freeze acts.

[No_Neck 0]

any chance canada will start handing out visas for online poker players?

[pokerplayer24 0]

I cant be the only one who heard about this a month ago, can I ?

[Kuge 0]

I cant be the only one who heard about this a month ago, can I ?

The article was created on the 24th of May...you also must be the only one who can travel back in time or something crazy like that.

[Figger 0]

I only have one question. If this bill does pass through congress and they are aggressive in enforcing it. Where will they put us all????The penal system is already overcrowded with murderers, rapists, child molesters, thieves...hmmm...Where are they going to get the money to build all these prisons for us degenerate gamblers?

[Steppin Razor 0]

The article was created on the 24th of May...you also must be the only one who can travel back in time or something crazy like that.

It was, but it's not the first piece of writing on the subject. PSO's had a thread about it for a while.Acesfull, if the Vegas casinos want to run online rooms, that's good for them and good for us, and good for the government. So you can see it's doomed. Not to mention, it's the online transfer of money that the gov is targeting, so playing a Vegas room would be as illegal.

[gatortom64 1]

1. You have a girl governor.(Same as the rest of the politicians, NO BALLS!!!)2. WA state HP sucks (yes I used to live there and the HP are dumber than Super Troopers)3. WA is now CA north. They are no more than a California Bedroom community via air vice car.

http://table-tango.pokerworks.com/2006/05/...r-ban/#more-775New Law to Take Effect June 7 While most attention in the debate over online gambling has centered on Capitol Hill, the state of Washington has stepped to the forefront of the Internet gaming issue. Unbeknownst to many Americans, the Evergreen State adopted an outright ban of online poker, stiffening penalties for those who wager on hands over the Internet. How did this happen without a huge controversy splashed over all the nation’s newspapers? Unfortunately, sponsors of the legislation moved their legislation quickly and quietly with few noticing it until Gov. Christine Gregoire signed it into law.In January, Washington state Sen. Margarita Prentice introduced legislation “reaffirming and clarifying the prohibition against Internet and certain other interactive electronic or mechanical devises to engage in gambling.” Just a few weeks later, the bill was approved by the state Senate and moved into the Washington House where it was amended to increase the punishment for engaging in online wagering — up from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C felony. Such a level of a crime is punishable with up to 10 years in prison, the same amount of jail time reserved for sex offenders who fail to register with the state. After gaining approval in the state House, the bill was on the fast track to the governor’s office. The new law will take effect on June 7. Overturning the law is possible — such a move would require “super majorities” of both state bodies — but it’s highly unlikely. The Poker Players Alliance believes that Washington state politicians should NOT have the last laugh on this issue. Little debate took place on this legislation. The media didn’t publicize it. The public was unaware. As a result, politicians were free to cast their ballots without guidance from the views of their constituents.*end email*

[Rasty 0]

holy crap....why do politicians hate poker so much??????????

They don't hate poker.They hate anything that makes scads of money that they don't get a piece of.

[TheCinciKid 0]

They don't hate poker.They hate anything that makes scads of money that they don't get a piece of.

Bingo! You are correct sir. It's all about money.

[SapphireTiger 0]

1. You have a girl governor.(Same as the rest of the politicians, NO BALLS!!!)2. WA state HP sucks (yes I used to live there and the HP are dumber than Super Troopers)3. WA is now CA north. They are no more than a California Bedroom community via air vice car.

1. Right. That's not sexist.2. Right...that's relevant.3. I have no idea what you are saying.

[SavageHenry 0]

i knew about this 3-4 months ago since i live in seattle. A cop friend of mine told me about it. I wasn't really worried and said something like " yeah how could anyone tell i am playing poker online " then she started telling me about all the crap they track when trying to catch online child sex predators...its pretty absurd. You can be sure other states will do the same. Online gaming is just too much untaxed money changing hands for the government to ignore it.

[Petoria 0]

holy crap....why do politicians hate poker so much??????????

They can't bluff, they give off so many tells. Since politicians run so many bluffs, it tends to get expensive.

[profxavier9 0]

move to another state. or canada or mexico

[idiotpimp 0]

Yes, the law sucks but it's likely illegal and impossible to enforce.The law is only applicable if the entire action takes place within the state (the online poker room originating from the state and all the money remaining in the state, presumably even Neteller would be a problem). Otherwise they are trying to legislate interstate commerce which is out of their jurisdiction. Basically, there shouldn't be much to worry about. However, I am not a lawyer.

[HoosierAlum 0]

move to another state. or canada or mexico

Acapulco is nice. Anyone want to come with?

[ford0067 0]

Just a side note, the fed is moving in a similar direction. Here is the email I got back from my congressman after expressing displeasure with the bill.From: Rep. John Murtha [mailto:imapa12@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 8:43 AMTo: ford0067@Subject: In further response to your email Dear Mr. Ford Iii: I am writing in response to your recent correspondence concerning HR 2143, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. The measure that passed the House prohibits wagering over the internet except within a given state to gambling enterprises that are licensed by that state. It bans internet wagering across state lines and to offshore casinos. I voted for this bill, which passed the House overwhelmingly, 319-104. I appreciate you sharing your views with me on this issue and hope you will keep in touch with me on other issues that are important to you as well. Sincerely,JOHN P. MURTHAYOUR CONGRESSMANThe politicians are going to screw us all.

[jdquads 0]

Just a side note, the fed is moving in a similar direction. Here is the email I got back from my congressman after expressing displeasure with the bill.From: Rep. John Murtha [mailto:imapa12@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 8:43 AMTo: ford0067@Subject: In further response to your email Dear Mr. Ford Iii: I am writing in response to your recent correspondence concerning HR 2143, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. The measure that passed the House prohibits wagering over the internet except within a given state to gambling enterprises that are licensed by that state. It bans internet wagering across state lines and to offshore casinos. I voted for this bill, which passed the House overwhelmingly, 319-104. I appreciate you sharing your views with me on this issue and hope you will keep in touch with me on other issues that are important to you as well. Sincerely,JOHN P. MURTHAYOUR CONGRESSMANThe politicians are going to screw us all.

Wow his email really just quoted the bill. Good thing he didnt give any reasons for his vote. He must be afraid to give a reason since he might have to think for himself.