Online Poker in Washington State Declared Illegal.

Online Poker and Gambling Ban Still Stands in Washington State.

On July 1st, 2007, Lee Rousso, the Washington State Director of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), filed a lawsuit that would have an amendment of the Washington Gambling Act declared unconstitutional. The Washington Gambling Act of 1973 bans “the receipt or transmission of gambling information” by radio, phone or telegraph means. An amendment was created in 2006 that included the internet to the list. The amendment also upgraded the charges if the law was violated. The charge went from a gross misdemeanor to a felony and also made the person subject to seizure and forfeiture.

Rousso filed the lawsuit claiming that the new law violated the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution due to its discrimination against interstate businesses. Rousso also stated that the law was created to benefit the state’s casinos and card rooms. Rousso also pointed out that the bill was sponsored by Senator Margarita Prentice, whose district held the casinos and card rooms that would benefit from the bill.

This past Thursday, May 16th, Rousso’s complaint was dismissed by the State Court Judge, Mary Roberts. The Judge stated that Rousso had not proven that the state was unfairly gaining from the law at the expense of outside the state gaming. Roberts also stated that the strict prohibition of gambling history of the state also weighed heavily on her decision. Rousso then stated: “The state loves gambling, it’s a gigantic business. It’s just the state protecting its turf,” and claimed that the law was hypocritical and blatantly discriminatory.

After the ruling, Rousso spoke to supporters who were gathered outside the courthouse. Among those supporters were professional poker players, Barry Greenstein and Andy Bloch. Rousso encouraged the supporters to “continue the fight” and “We are going to win this battle. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday soon.” Greenstein also spoke against the state ban.

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