The following is copied and pasted from an email I received from The Poker Player’s Alliance. Get ready kids, it’s going to get worse. Take action now – before it’s too late – in your state and the U.S.
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New 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.
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