Washington Votes Forum

For all it's worth, I don't like playing poker unless it's with friends. However, with that said, this law is ridiculous. Maybe you should write laws to fight crime.........make it a federal offense to pull out in front of someone without using a turn signal..........or arrest someone for throwing a cigarette butt on the ground. But before passing the law like this, maybe you should have taught your friend or loved one to know when to fold'em. No longer anonymous....Mike Kennedy

I play online poker for a living and now I am going to be treated like a sex offender because of my job? I do still plan to continue playing online because it is what I do for a living and I pay my 20,000 dollars in taxes each year. What I do with the money that I earn with hard work shouldn't be able to be controlled by the government if it is legal to do in a Building 15 minutes from my house.

5/24/2006 Washington State Is Taking A Huge Gamble Betting On This No Win Bill! I have very recently been made aware of the new internet gambling law effective this coming June 7th and I am infuriated by it. According to the law, online gambling has been made into a Class C Felony! I understand that the state needs a cut of these funds for valuable programs, but why not come up with a better solution than treating a $5-10 bettor the same as a sex offender? This is a feeble effort to try to lure online gamblers out to the state sponsored casino facilities. I am sympathetic to Washington’s need for revenues, but why not come up with a solution that meets with the times while significantly improving our battered economy? It is hard to believe that a bill introduced by a woman with such an obvious casino funded campaign would be allowed to even be considered as anything other than a joke! According to the King County Journal, Sen. Margarita Prentice (D-Skyway) introduced this bill and lists among her campaign contributors the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Washington Indian Gaming Association, Confederate Tribes of Colville, Muckleshoot Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribal Council, Chehalis Tribe and Puyallup Tribe, plus the Chips Casinos and Goldie's Shoreline Casino. This should be reason enough for a quick dismissal of such a blatant self serving bill. She was not alone, however! The bill was also introduced by: Karen Keiser (D), Adam Kline (D), Marilyn Rasmussen (D), and Paull Shin (D). I find their methods disgusting and embarrassing to me as a registered Democrat. The bill is very reminiscent of George W helping to destroy our environment or supporting oil companies interests rather than our own. Why internet gambling would be good for the Washington: The state has already benefited by supporting brick and mortar gambling facilities. Why not support a Washington based online casino? Progress happens and the state needs to keep up. Taking away online gambling is like taking away our right to shop online or rent movies through Netflix. It is just another convenience of today’s online society which makes our lives easier. In a state that is inhabited by so many techies, it is frightening to go this far backwards! Is our government so out of touch with our needs on a day to day basis? Furthermore to compare an online gambler with the same Class C felony label as a sex offender or worse is ludicrous. What happened to the punishment fitting the crime? How can Washington dictate that gambling online is a Class C felony while at the same time sponsoring casinos? What warrants such a severe punishment? You can not have it both ways! Providing regulated Washington State internet gambling would benefit the state: It would force casinos to offer a better product to the consumer who clearly is not getting what they want out of these brick and mortar gambling facilities. It would allow the state to escape the impossible task of trying to enforce a law that is simply unenforceable without violating citizens’ privacy rights. Online gambling enables a citizen to not be exposed to the “riff raff” in a casino or other harmful elements typically associated with these places. In other words, it would enable me to stay in my safe environment of home without alcohol influences, etc. (more wholesome environment). I would much rather be at home on my treadmill playing online poker as my children sleep at night than paying a babysitter to put myself at risk on the roads, etc. In today’s society, it is simply smarter to stay home at times. It is good for the progression of technological developments and would be a boost to the state’s economy if Washington were to open their own online casino. In addition to the advances in technology, the employment opportunities are quite attractive. If Washington wants a piece of the online gambling industry, then they should be a part of it, regulate it, and profit from it, rather than resorting to this ridiculous impossible scenario. An over the top punishment which does not fit the crime will not increase revenues from their state sponsored casinos. It is a losing bill and to quietly sneak a Nazi – like law through this state with little to no media coverage was a colossal mistake. Online gamblers will probably still bet online because not only does the state not have the means to enforce this new law, but also because they do not want to go to a casino as often as they want to bet online. There is no benefit for the state and this law will do nothing but infuriate citizens. -Courtney Cooper

Unless this law is amended, any iGambling citizen will still be subject to quixotic persecution. Al Capone never got caught for murder, extortion, prohibition violations, but for tax evasion. Once the authorities get hold of your computer, you are going to be pleading anything not to be sent to prison. At best , you will be picking up trash beside the highways for 26 successive Sundays. Sounds like a deal.

When are you jokers goin to come and get me? I am still playing on line. Jimmy D.

I didn't miss anything. Smoking is your right. You still have that. You just can't do it in a public place anymore where everyone has the right to breath clean air. This does not violate your freedoms in any way. Playing poker in my own home should be my right. It's with my hard earned money and it doesn't violate anyone else rights or freedoms. So don't try and bring the smokers complaints into this thread. If you want to complain about not being able to smoke in PUBLIC places then go somewhere else and do it.

For someone who didn't miss anything, you sure have tunnel vision... Gambling is your right. You still have that. You just can't do it in your own home anymore. Wahington has a *right* to your tax money so by forcing you into a casino to do your gambling, they ensure the continuity of the state coffers. This does not violate your freedoms in any way. (SIC) Get the comparison eh? The point made was about the infringements on all rights by our ever growing governemnt. The poster has the right to use any example they choose. Smoking just happens to be one of the examles. There are more as well. Get off your high horse!

We are all on the same side. Our rights are been eroded and ripped aside by the morally insane. A new federal anti-iGambling bill would force ISPs to block all iGambling sites and force all credit card companies, financial depositories, and EFT payment companies (such as PayPal and Western Union) to BLOCK in REAL time the transfer of money to iGambling sites. You may not think that Washington State will pursue you, but the success of this law here will insprire the other Washington to put into place more Draconian laws.

It seems quite strange that it is legal to play poker in a casino in WA, but not online. Is there anyone that is brave enough to stand up and try to explain why this would be a good bill? What is the difference between a (legal) poker tournament in a casino or cardroom and a(felony) poker tournament online? I would love for someone to try to explain the difference. It doesn't seem rational or logical to me.

I think not. I think they actually got something right with the smoking ban. Now I can go anywhere and not have to suffer because of someone else's "freedom" to smoke in public places. And if I remember correctly, the PEOPLE of Washington State got a say in the smoking ban. The people decided if that law was going to go into effect. At least you got to vote on the smoking ban. I'd like to see if this law could pass if the people of Washington actually got to vote on it.

The amazing thing about this law is that if the state got its cut of the rake, then there would be no issue. And ironically, those B&M cardrooms and casinos bemoaning internet poker are probably enjoying a higher influx of new money than ever due to the burgeoning demand for a real experience once the virtual one has lost its appeal. Yet again, they feel they should get more. Morality plays absolutely no role in this, since only online gambing has been targeted. I have always been proud to call WA my home, but all of a sudden I have become nauseated by the new wave of McCarthyism making its rounds. Lumping poker with Level 3 sex offenders? Give me a break.

I would be willing to sign up for a class action suit. I'm sure there are lawyers out there chomping on the bit to represent the interests of people who obviously have money to spend on leisurely activities!

I am 25 years old. I am an horably discharged Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am an Eagle Scout and a college student. I work part/full time depending on my school schedule. I have been playing poker online since March of 2004. I'm sure I'm a couple hundred dollars down and don't mind one bit. I play poker at Party Poker about 15 hours a week. I love it. When I have down time, I go to this site to have a good time and try to win money of course. This is my form of relaxation and a way for me to get away from every day life. I have to say I am an upstanding citizen looking forward to helping this country progress technically as I am seeking a degree in Computer Science. I support President Bush and honestly whoever comes into office next, I will support, they lead our country so I follow them and do my part. I am assuming the only reason gambling online is illegal is because the Government does not have the ability to tax income due to the location of the host for these sites (overseas). What is the problem with that? Don't make it illegal and threaten a felony charge with prison time for the everyday, law abiding citizens that enjoy the challenge of gambling online. If not collecting taxes on the winnings is your big issue, allow online gambling servers to start in the United States and work it out so you collect taxes on every cash out. I would not like that much, but would understand that you are greedy and want to suck me dry. That fine, take more of my money and get happy. DO NOT THROW ME IN JAIL because you are mad you didnt make money on my $500 cash out that ultimately led to more money I sent back into the US economy. Give me a break. If this gets to the point where I, anyone I know, or some innocent 22 year old kid is charged with a felony and sent to jail, I will stand up and voice my opinion publicly. My voice will be heard. I am an amazing public speaker and will win the support of the American Public to fight the illegalization of online gambling. My voice will be heard and you will lose. Mark my words!!! I guarantee, by this post, I will already have support! Show your support people, the more I have the louder I am and the more I will be heard!! Thank you... ~Annonymous gambler #11... (i would love to release my info, but I know the goverment would just start wire tapping me) I will check back from time to time.

If you haven't got the jist of it by now you never will. Trampling of rights is OK with you; just as long as they are not YOUR rights. According to you, it is fine that big brother dictates what I do in MY business and property but not OK when the same big brother tells you what to do or not to do in YOUR property. Isn't is a bummer when you trip over your own hypocrisy?!

The people of this state got to vote on the smoking ban. The people of this state didn't get to vote on this iGaming. PLAIN AND SIMPLE Big brother didn't take your freedom away to smoke wherever you wanted, the people did. If you can't understand this then you never will.

...on how many lies were told about it, how much spin would be spun about it, how many real consequenses to business and private property owners would be left out, unspoken, or minimized. And most of all, how much the media gets behind it or against it and how much of their brainwashing was absorbed now wouldn't it?

The contributor who called you a hypocrit is absolutely correct; all you need do is change Big Brother to *the people* From a recent contribution on another thread but still just as pertinent here, I quote: "What you're referring to is Tyranny of the Majority. It is the job of the majority to care for all levels, not just think of themselves. As James Madison explained in The Federalist Papers (Number X), "a well-constructed Union must, above all else, break and control the violence of faction, especially the superior force of an … overbearing majority." In any democracy, a majority's power threatens minorities. It threatens their rights, their property, and sometimes their lives. "The concept of the Tyranny of the Majority, coined by Alexis de Tocqueville and expanded by John Stuart Mills, deals with the fact that, in a democracy, the majority can control everyone, because they and their democratically-elected representatives can pass legislation which will do exactly that. There are those who argue that that is what happened in Nazi Germany. And that is what the Constitution of the United States, as written and as originally interpreted, was designed to prevent happening in this country." Also look at our Pledge of Allegiance: "With libery and justice for ALL." Not "most" and not "the majority..." End quote. This is why our nation was formed as a representative republic and not a true democracy as many are brainwashed into believing. This is also why the initiative process is flawed and corrupt. Just because YOU hapen to get your way or not does not justify a process where a majority can control a minority. THAT IS THE JIST!

Who said I'm a smoker? Who said I'm a gambler? I neither smoke nor do I gamble. But that is NOT the point here and never was. The people do not get a vote on every little proposal and/or Bill in the House or Senate. We elect our legislators who are lawfully bestowed with the right to take actions on our behalf. If something is out of whack, the challenge then goes to the courts (where I believe this gambling fiasco will end up). Read the constitution! Guess you missed that too.

This bill makes you a felon for playing in a poker tournament online, yet you can go to a casino or cardroom in this state and play in a poker tournament legally!?! RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!! This was sponsored by Senator Prentice - who gets tons of contributions from Indian Tribes (you know - the ones that own the casinos and love having a monopoly so they can make more money off of us and don't have to improve their services). This approved by a state who takes a *lot* more money from their citizens in its lottery than the online casinos take from their players!!! RIDICULOUS and hypocritical!!!!!!!!!

This law is completely unacceptable, it makes a perfectly reasonable pastime of millions of Americans a criminal offense in the state. Sure gambling is abused by some people, but just because an activity can be abused does not justify banning. If it did then we would have to ban virtually every activity, from over-consumption of doughnuts to driving a car. As to the argument that the big online Poker companies are somehow more likely to be crooked than some seedy little backroom card room, because it is regulated by the state, you can only laugh.

This is increasingly becoming a police state. We need to look beyond Republicans or Democrats in the next election. These two parties are just running amok with trampling citizen's rights. The republican president thinks it is lawful to listen in to all phone conversations. The Washington democratic governor thinks it is OK to play a game of chance in the state sponsored lottery, but not a game of chance (with some skill involved) in online poker? All we can do is to vote the bastards out and get a third or a fourth party involved in our politics that present better choices than the present two parties in monopoly.

I have heard it from many: "There ARE a few good incumbents so we need to support them." NOT! We are continually sold down the river by our elected officials both state and federal. Some on one thing, some on another. Examples of these sellouts are too numerous to list. The will of the people pales in comparison to the personal and financial agendas of these representative who long ago, forgot their oath of office and who they serve. Start anew? An alternative party? All new legislators? You bet. I have had it with my elected officials marching to their own drum. I will have my say in November! Those who cluck their tongue and shake their heads are only unwittingly waiting in the line for their turn at having their rights and freedoms taken away. The only reason they cluck their tongues and shake their heads is because their own rights have not come under attack.... YET. The only question is: Are you waiting your turn or will you take preemptive action before it's too late. The time to take back our country is NOW!

This is not a moral issue. It is a special interest venture, at best. I participate in two forms of online wagering, Poker and Horseracing, and I can present a position that I need some answers to. I can almost accept Washington State's position that they receive no revenue from online poker and therefore find it in competition with the brick and morter facilities which they receive a windfall of revenue, but Washington State profits from online horse wagering via the breakage. To include horseracing in the same catagory as online poker is yet another step backwards for this State. I am a Washington bred, grew up in the Yakima Valley, went to school in California, and came back to Seattle in hope of making my home here. I will expound on the travisty of the passing of this bill in the near future using various venues, and when my voice falls on deaf ears, I will move away from my homestate in shame. I thought I was living in a blue state, but the narrow-mindedness that I have witnessed here has convinced me otherwise. Washington State will still profit from my move though, as every bet I place at Emerald Downs from California will send money into it coffers.

I agree totally with you, I am leaning towards Libertarians, now if we only had a bunch of them running!! Use your heads people!! What the person posted about the Constition is what we should be following!

Please! Anyone that plays poker knows its a game of skill.Not a game of chance,as all gambling games are. So you people need to get your facts straight,on what your talking about before making such a dumb law.

That narrow-mindedness you refer to is from the DEMOCRATS, those "progressives" that are so proud of themselves! If "progressive" means immoral,liberal, backwards, then they certainly are progressive. This bill is probably the Democrats best response to all of the "illegal" activity that our "Progressive Liberals" like to accuse the present administration of. Get a grip, Blue-Gills!

Ok so let me get this straight...this law is necessary, partly to protect the gamblers themselves. They say "Online poker games invite organized crime and money laundering, they also say it's easier for dishonest players to collude against unsuspecting opponents. And when online gambling operators refuse to pay winners their proceeds, some gamblers have said there is little recourse." It's also as addictive as other forms of gambling, that are legal on the indian reservation & in some bars & bowling alleys. They also say, it's more accessible to minors. Well lets take a look... If a child visits a online gambling site or visits one of those thousands of pornographic websites shouldn't that be the parent's problem? If a parent really cares then they will make sure their child under 18 is not visiting an online gambling site. As for the problem of not getting paid that is a chance you take. If I am willing to play on an online gambling website I know that is a risk I may encounter. You live & learn. So now let's talk about my favorite excuse to protect me...it's as adictive as other forms of gambling. If I am not mistaken I can walk into an Indian Casino cash my paycheck and gamble there (LEGALY). I can walk into almost any bowling alley in this state and find tables to play blackjack or poker. I even believe I can head to my local HOOTER'S in Spokane and head to their casino and play legally. Yes I believe that the state is hiding behind the Federal Laws that were made in the 70's. If Washington was receiving some sort of tax on the winnings from online gambling conducted by a Washington resident, The state wouldn't be grumbling about this. Let's face the facts, it's always about the money, isn't it? What our state Legislature really needs to do is focus on what really matters. Clean up the crime and meth problems in our cities. Fix our roads. Let's pass some laws that really count! How about passing a law that help protect our children from sexual predators. Why has this law really drawn so much attention to our Legislature? I pay my taxes, your salary, I would like you to work for me and take care of the state, not worry about people sitting at home playing games on the internet. All your saying is that it's ok to gamble where we say you can..this is the Big Brother mentality creeping in. What is next? Are you going to tell me if I bought cigarettes from the internet I will have to pay all the back taxes on that? Wait that's already been done. "Gregoire Sues Internet Tobacco Seller Over Tax Reports" "Someone who buys cigarettes over the Internet should have to pay the same taxes as someone who buys them at a local convenience store," said Gregoire. "Dirtcheap's refusal to disclose its customers puts brick-and-mortar retailers at a disadvantage, and prevents the state from collecting badly needed tax revenue." As I say it's all about the taxes!! Washington has some of the highest taxes in the nation and this is just the big guy crying because he can't get his hands in the honey jar. I have said my peace, and I still write this with a heavy heart. I just can't believe how much the government is trying to govern our lives. Let it get back to "For the people, by the people." Deal with all the corruption that is associated with politics...clean your own house first. By the way I should let you know, I don't smoke or gamble online.

Ok so let me get this straight...this law is necessary, partly to protect the gamblers themselves. They say "Online poker games invite organized crime and money laundering, they also say it's easier for dishonest players to collude against unsuspecting opponents. And when online gambling operators refuse to pay winners their proceeds, some gamblers have said there is little recourse." It's also as addictive as other forms of gambling, that are legal on the indian reservation & in some bars & bowling alleys. They also say, it's more accessible to minors. Well lets take a look... If a child visits a online gambling site or visits one of those thousands of pornographic websites shouldn't that be the parent's problem? If a parent really cares then they will make sure their child under 18 is not visiting an online gambling site. As for the problem of not getting paid that is a chance you take. If I am willing to play on an online gambling website I know that is a risk I may encounter. You live & learn. So now let's talk about my favorite excuse to protect me...it's as adictive as other forms of gambling. If I am not mistaken I can walk into an Indian Casino cash my paycheck and gamble there (LEGALY). I can walk into almost any bowling alley in this state and find tables to play blackjack or poker. I even believe I can head to my local HOOTER'S in Spokane and head to their casino and play legally. Yes I believe that the state is hiding behind the Federal Laws that were made in the 70's. If Washington was receiving some sort of tax on the winnings from online gambling conducted by a Washington resident, The state wouldn't be grumbling about this. Let's face the facts, it's always about the money, isn't it? What our state Legislature really needs to do is focus on what really matters. Clean up the crime and meth problems in our cities. Fix our roads. Let's pass some laws that really count! How about passing a law that help protect our children from sexual predators. Why has this law really drawn so much attention to our Legislature? I pay my taxes, your salary, I would like you to work for me and take care of the state, not worry about people sitting at home playing games on the internet. All your saying is that it's ok to gamble where we say you can..this is the Big Brother mentality creeping in. What is next? Are you going to tell me if I bought cigarettes from the internet I will have to pay all the back taxes on that? Wait that's already been done. "Gregoire Sues Internet Tobacco Seller Over Tax Reports" "Someone who buys cigarettes over the Internet should have to pay the same taxes as someone who buys them at a local convenience store," said Gregoire. "Dirtcheap's refusal to disclose its customers puts brick-and-mortar retailers at a disadvantage, and prevents the state from collecting badly needed tax revenue." As I say it's all about the taxes!! Washington has some of the highest taxes in the nation and this is just the big guy crying because he can't get his hands in the honey jar. I have said my peace, and I still write this with a heavy heart. I just can't believe how much the government is trying to govern our lives. Let it get back to "For the people, by the people." Deal with all the corruption that is associated with politics...clean your own house first. By the way I should let you know, I don't smoke or gamble online.

Ok so let me get this straight...this law is necessary, partly to protect the gamblers themselves. They say "Online poker games invite organized crime and money laundering, they also say it's easier for dishonest players to collude against unsuspecting opponents. And when online gambling operators refuse to pay winners their proceeds, some gamblers have said there is little recourse." It's also as addictive as other forms of gambling, that are legal on the indian reservation & in some bars & bowling alleys. They also say, it's more accessible to minors. Well lets take a look... If a child visits a online gambling site or visits one of those thousands of pornographic websites shouldn't that be the parent's problem? If a parent really cares then they will make sure their child under 18 is not visiting an online gambling site. As for the problem of not getting paid that is a chance you take. If I am willing to play on an online gambling website I know that is a risk I may encounter. You live & learn. So now let's talk about my favorite excuse to protect me...it's as adictive as other forms of gambling. If I am not mistaken I can walk into an Indian Casino cash my paycheck and gamble there (LEGALY). I can walk into almost any bowling alley in this state and find tables to play blackjack or poker. I even believe I can head to my local HOOTER'S in Spokane and head to their casino and play legally. Yes I believe that the state is hiding behind the Federal Laws that were made in the 70's. If Washington was receiving some sort of tax on the winnings from online gambling conducted by a Washington resident, The state wouldn't be grumbling about this. Let's face the facts, it's always about the money, isn't it? What our state Legislature really needs to do is focus on what really matters. Clean up the crime and meth problems in our cities. Fix our roads. Let's pass some laws that really count! How about passing a law that help protect our children from sexual predators. Why has this law really drawn so much attention to our Legislature? I pay my taxes, your salary, I would like you to work for me and take care of the state, not worry about people sitting at home playing games on the internet. All your saying is that it's ok to gamble where we say you can..this is the Big Brother mentality creeping in. What is next? Are you going to tell me if I bought cigarettes from the internet I will have to pay all the back taxes on that? Wait that's already been done. "Gregoire Sues Internet Tobacco Seller Over Tax Reports" "Someone who buys cigarettes over the Internet should have to pay the same taxes as someone who buys them at a local convenience store," said Gregoire. "Dirtcheap's refusal to disclose its customers puts brick-and-mortar retailers at a disadvantage, and prevents the state from collecting badly needed tax revenue." As I say it's all about the taxes!! Washington has some of the highest taxes in the nation and this is just the big guy crying because he can't get his hands in the honey jar. I have said my peace, and I still write this with a heavy heart. I just can't believe how much the government is trying to govern our lives. Let it get back to "For the people, by the people." Deal with all the corruption that is associated with politics...clean your own house first. By the way I should let you know, I don't smoke or gamble online.

This law is a perfect example of why all citizens need to know that in a criminal trial, the jury has the right not to convict for any reason it pleases, regardless of what the judge may say.

This law is totally unenforceable. They obviously are so ignorant to just go from a misdemeanor to a felony with a little discussion in a committee. To listen to the discussion is so typical of every time i have heard these ignorant politicians talk... they laugh and cajole and ruin peoples businesses all the while the indian casinos take all the money from the reataurants and bars... allow people to gamble way over their heads and the state lotto which has so very few "winners" continues to exploit the citizens. This is Unenforceable because enforcement is required to be done "equally". They cannot randomly pick a few people to prosecute... they have to show that they are enforcing the law equally, in other words the ISP providers, neteller, the tv ads, etc.. Any law that makes maybe 5% of the population a felon is rediculous. They need to get some education in Olympia, they are either ignorant or corrupt, it is sad to live in such a hippocritical system. The laws on drinking, smoking and gambling are so convuluted the whole system needs to be revoked completely, the gambling commission and the liquor board have got to go along with the gal from Renton and the gal that didn't really win the election.

If it has nothing to do with Poker sites, will I or won't I be committing a felony by playing poker on Poker stars?

This law is totally unenforceable. They obviously are so ignorant to just go from a misdemeanor to a felony with a little discussion in a committee. To listen to the discussion is so typical of every time i have heard these ignorant politicians talk... they laugh and cajole and ruin peoples businesses all the while the indian casinos take all the money from the reataurants and bars... allow people to gamble way over their heads and the state lotto which has so very few "winners" continues to exploit the citizens. This is Unenforceable because enforcement is required to be done "equally". They cannot randomly pick a few people to prosecute... they have to show that they are enforcing the law equally, in other words the ISP providers, neteller, the tv ads, etc.. Any law that makes maybe 5% of the population a felon is rediculous. They need to get some education in Olympia, they are either ignorant or corrupt, it is sad to live in such a hippocritical system. The laws on drinking, smoking and gambling are so convuluted the whole system needs to be revoked completely, the gambling commission and the liquor board have got to go along with the gal from Renton and the gal that didn't really win the election.

Protest Idea! I read somewhere about a Poker Sitin :)!! The idea is to get as many people as possible with WiFi Laptops and to all play online poker together in a high profile public place, like on the steps of the capitol building. Even 5cent/10cent is great. We could even start say June 6th and keep on rounding as the the new law takes effect on the 7th. Imagine the effect of a large crowd of "Felons" playing poker right in their midst, daring them to enforce this ridiculous law! We could score some great PR opportunities with signs, flyers, and newspaper/television coverage. And if nothing happens it's still a fun way to meet other rounders. What do you think? POST YOUR COMMENTS PLEASE Citi-zen

To say this law is unenforceable is not the point. If I knew 100% I could get away with stealing something, I still wouldn't do it. I do not want to knowingly commit a crime. Everyone yelling "stop whining, it was already illegal." Is ignorant. We have to whine and loudly. It was certainly not a felony that left us susceptible to prison time. Not long ago I believe it was North Dakota tried to create a state run internet poker site. They had projected the revenue would triple their annual school budget for the entire state. It failed, but I have to ask why? Of course Washington wants internet poker banned. There are dark, sleazy casinos on nearly every street corner. The message the state has sent is that we should only play poker in these establishments where you have to invest a minimum of $100 to play and associate with sometimes less-than-ideal people who are often completely intoxicated. I am disgusted by how this law was signed. It was as though they didn't want any debate or public forums as they knew they would be opposed vehemently. How am I being represented here? I would much rather play on a site run by the state where the revenue went towards improving the schools and other state run agencies. If someone reading this knows how to fight this law, please let me know as I want to do what it takes. It is simply wrong. Mat

I love your idea of gathering a bunch of people to make this terrible law come to light of the uninformed, but, what about those of us that have a lot more at stake? Meaning, I am a proffesional. There are many forms which I have to answer the question, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" Answering yes to this question can lose my license to practice medicine. I am not sitting here stating that I am more important, but everyone that does stand up in this fashion, must also realize that on every job application you fill out that same question will be asked. Alas, as much as I hate to admit it, I am withdrawing all my funds because I cannot risk the chance that some upstart DA 'MAY' decide to make an example. I have to hang my head and admit defeat at the sillyness of this law.

5 smart representatives voted against the online gambling ban: Representative Toby Nixon Representative Jeff Morris Representative Janea Holmquist Representative Jim Dunn Representative Bruce Chandler I strongly believe that we need to support these legislators - they were brave enough to vote against a bill that almost all of their collegues voted for. As an example, here is email correspondance between me and Representative Toby Nixon (I asked him permission before reposting this): Dear Mr. Nixon, I am very interested in Senate Bill 6613. Can you please explain to me why you voted against this bill? Thanks, XXXXXXX Sure. While I personally oppose gambling, I don’t think it is the responsibility of the state to decide how adults spend their money. If someone wants to gamble for their entertainment, that’s their choice. The government’s role in gambling is to establish and enforce regulations to prevent fraud, not to treat adults like children who need to have their behavior managed. This bill was specifically about internet gambling. I do not believe we should treat internet commerce differently from “brick and mortar” commerce, and that’s why I am not willing to ban internet gambling outright. I’m also concerned that the bill is virtually unenforceable; while we might be able to enforce it against U.S.-based companies, the fact is that most internet gambling sites are already overseas and beyond the reach of U.S. laws. The only way we’ll be able to stop people from using such services is to have government filtering of the internet, blocking of disapproved sites, etc., which is more reminiscent of the actions of the Communist Chinese government than of a free state. We do need to enforce our fraud laws effectively, and also need to find a solution to enabling parents to protect their children from accessing web content that doesn’t meet their standards, but this bill didn’t offer any such solutions. I basically found it to be “let’s just DO something”, feel-good legislation that in reality wouldn’t accomplish much of anything, and I could not support it. Best regards, -- Toby I certainly believe that politicians like him need to be supported, and *I* will be contributing to his campaigns - with money won at online poker :-). If you want to support him - go to www.tobynixon.com

Voters-- The only message that we can send is to ensure the defeat of Margarita Prentice. Only when politicians pay the price at the voting booth for their insane laws which restrict our freedoms will these idiots cease their efforts to create the same restrictions as Red China has in place. Porn sites, gambling sites, on-line purchases, children on myplace, then finally imprison the bloggers. Down with freedom!!! Protect the citizen from his own vices!!! Tax and regulate!!

Senator Prentice, I'm still playing poker on-line and I have given you my address, come and get me. You all in Olympia are insane. You could have re-written the old law to aim specifically at Tribal expansion onto the Internet without making felons of 500,000 Washingtonians. On-line poker is not illegal under the Wire Act, so stop parroting that nonsense, too. Jimmy D.

That people only scream about not being able to vote on something when they don't like the outcome? In fact, anyone who took the time to vote for a legislator cast their ballot on this issue at that time. If you didn't bother to try and elect someone with your views, quit whining. I haven't heard anyone complain about not being able to vote on grants for health care. Or technology assessments. Or laws for the beer and whine (I'm sorry..wine) industry. All of those laws affect someone too. I know...we should allow everyone to vote on every issue so that no one gets their nose bent. Yeah..right. Welcome to RL