Online Gambling News

Date: 05/19/2008

A Washington State judged ruled against a challenge to anti-online gambling state law, despite a common sense appeal and popular backing. Lee Rousso, attorney and former gubernatorial candidate, challenged the law and alleged that the law was unconstitutional.

The law, that saw the light in 2006, added to the list of illegal electronically transferred gambling activities, and made sure that it included all online wagering and all online poker.

Rousso stated that the law violates the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause, as Internet play involves both players and companies around the world. Rousso's case was supported by a very large group of poker players and online gambling enthusiasts holding a rally just outside the courthouse.

Although poker is legal at land-based poker houses in Washington State, Judge Mary Roberts said Lee Rousso did not convince her that the law protected instate gambling interests at the expense of intrastate concerns.

The growing Poker Players' Alliance, of which Rousso is the Washington state director, demanded that the judge’s decision be reviewed and overruled. The Alliance, has more than a million listed members, and says there are around 800 000 Internet poker players within the state.

Poker Players' Alliance spokesman Taylor Gross stated, "Subjecting poker players to criminal penalties that are on par with those for possessing child pornography or distributing heroin is unmerited and unfair."

Although no online gambling cases have been prosecuted, the Washington law ensures steep penalties for online gamblers. Online gambling participation can cost you a 10 000 dollar fine or as long as five years in jail.