This from the Poker Players Alliance -

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.

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It is a good thing that we will now be able to get these evil no good poker players off the street. With the wide spread evil that playing poker creates, it is amazing that civilization has not crumbled. It will be great to see the Washington State Gestapo kicking down doors, intercepting e-mail, confiscating bank records and who knows what other means they may be able to come up with to enforce this long overdue legislation.

Just think, if some on-line qualifier to the WSOP were to win, what shame would be brought upon Washington.

Say WA!


You can have my chips when you pry my cold dead hand from my mouse

Sounds like we need and Eyman all out effort to put the matter to the voters. It never ceases to amaze me that so many folks have this need to tell everyone how to live.
Why the secrecy? I know, they will say it was all open and above board. BS Where is the medias fudge in the matter? Were they bought off.

There are already more laws on the books than can be enforced...

Does Washington allow poker in the casinos ?


I read something about repealing every law written since around 1920 or so...it would supposedly solve more problems than all those "new" laws every will.

BINGO!

Good thing there is a woman here to figure this out.

I guess I am naive about where the Casinos involvement in banning online poker pays off.
I would think the promotion of almost any kind of gambling would benefit the Casinos. Hell I even go to a Casino or two. Mostly for the food or a gun show. The wife does enjoy the electronic bandits tho.' I just miss the rattle of coins in the bucket. The paper payoff just don't cut it. Makes me a spectator but that's ok.

Sounds like your dislike for the current machines stops you from paying(playing), but your WIFE makes you a spectator...

Just got back from the Big Johnson Casino. Sign on the door says "Liquor Up Front, Poker in the Rear."

Hell prostitution is the oldest profession isn't it. Legal or otherwise someone is always willing to sell a bit of flesh for a buck. Aunty M notice I didn't specify male or female with the someone tag.
I spent 2 years in Japan. They have known how to deal with the flesh for sale syndrome since the 1500s.
I do enjoy a poker game now and then. Real poker that is. 5 card stud or draw. The powers that be have never been able to contain gambling. Mostly a waste of manpower that could be used in more productive endeavors.
Repeal the phony law.

I think if you are going to make prostitution legal, then you aught to leave quality control up to the consumer, there are more important uses for our tax money...

YOU are the one who likes the gov paying peoples bills, I say let people take whatever riskd they want, and let people pull their own weight, including their own medical care.

Ever time you think you shut a topic down, you do it by assuming everything would be the same except the micro topic in your mind...

Example; You say minimum wage is helpfull because people who work real cheap still get welfare....duh !
Welfare needs to be taken away from able bodied people, and if they are stupid enough to work for less than they can survive on, maybe that will be a good lesson for others.
Wages will be as low as the employer can get away with, and as high as the employee can get away with, there is a balance in there somewhere....it used to be called "supply and demand", and it works if Uncle Sugar doesn't mess wit it.

I don't ever not think.

..every few months. NO way. How about at least once a week?

I often agree with your ideas about personal freedom and accountability Oregonian, however, the freedom to infect and the resulting tax burden laid on me to care for the infected is unacceptable.

I was a Croupier for many years.

Gamblers have something seriously wrong with thier wiring and they are going to find a way to ruin thier lives with or without online gaming. They are like junkies.

At least by making them play poker in a card room, they are contributing to the local economy and are out of the house and being sociable.

The first thing is to quit paying for the deadbeats with taxpayer money, if you want to fund ablebodied professional couch potatoes with your money fine.

I have not found anything which says everyone must/will/can succeed, only that all are born with equal rights..........somewhere the Liberals have found that everyone must succeed, even at the expense of others...

Actually I've done pretty well in the last few elections....

I am certainly in the minority on THIS site, and have stated before that rather than try to fight or prove anyone wrong, I'd like to understand why you think wrong <grin>, anytime I get to the point of a question(have to type it 40 ways) you take some "greater than thou" stance and quit...

So far I have gained a little insight, but am still mostly awestruck at the Lefts "take from the workers and give to the others" thinking.

How can you vote Democrat when you say you want to continue to Keep and Bear Arms ?


How can you cry about the cost of medical insurance, and still want to legalize singlesex marriage ?


How can you be so proud of our Welfare system when it is keeping thousands of people trapped in poverty by taking away any incentive to get on their own feet ?

Do you sing while sidestepping ?

You are sure a pleasant person to talk to...

Is it really that hard for you to understand that the singlesex marriage thing is about getting benefits from a "spouse" who has employer provided insurance, among other things.......

You do realize that insurance rates are driven by claims, and we can assume some of the behaviors of these homos are high risk at best.....

Is Brady a Republican these days ? Didn't think so...


There are help wanted ads in the paper here everyday, and I think there are plenty of help wanted signs in NOLA too...

Lazy bums and crackheads cashing Uncle Sugar welfare checks everyday too....

Again with the entitlements...........

Why would anyone buy insurance if Uncle Sugar is handing it out for free ?

We need to stop paying the bills for the people without enough pride to pull their own weight, when we stop doing that your arguements are pretty much going to all be in one pile on the floor...............are you sure you're not Liberal ?