American Idol Betting a Class C Felony in Washington State

It's not just online poker that's illegal in Washington State, American Idol betting on state Idols the likes of Blake Lewis may translate into serious jail time
 

With American Idol Beat Boxer, Blake Lewis, one of the favorites to win Season 6 of American Idol, Washington State residents might be shocked to learn that betting on their home grown American Idol contestant is considered a crime equivalent to child molestation.

That's because Washington State last year quietly enforced a new law that makes it a criminal offense to gamble online.  This is the only state that makes placing bets over the Internet a Class C Felony, equivalent to child molestation, second time drunk driving offenses and possession of drugs with the intention to sell.  Keep in mind that Washington State's Governor, Chris Gregoire, has zero qualms with playing at any of the local Indian Casinos and certainly it is not a crime to gamble on the Washington State lottery.

Gambling911.com's own Kira Wissman - now known affectionately as "Ant Girl" as a result of her ANTics at the Gambling911.com Super Bowl Party earlier this month - had an opportunity to sit down with the man from Washington State who is looking to overturn what most believe is a ridiculous law. 

Kira Wissman reports below:

I recently had the chance to sit down with Washington State Representative Chris Strow (R) for a chat about his recent attempts to undo the unfortunate internet gambling legislation passed during the 2006 congressional season in that state. For those of you who weren’t aware, Washington State legislators passed a law in 2006 making anyone caught gambling on the internet (even in their own home) a FELONY.

Representative Strow and a few other representatives felt that this type of legislation was a breach of their citizens’ privacy for numerous reasons and sought to remedy the mistake through a piece of legislation in January, 2007. This House Bill (HB) #1243 was introduced on January 15, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor. It was then shot down.

While speaking with Rep. Strow, I learned that he had revised his original bill, and introduced this revision, HB 2127 to the House on February 9, 2007. It has since been referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor and is still awaiting a final decision at this date. While Rep. Strow admits that this bill is a long way from undoing all the damage done by the 2006 legislation, he is confident that it is a step in the right direction. HB 2127 would reduce the penalty for gambling online from a felony to a misdemeanor, a much lesser offense.

A link to the language of this bill can be found here: http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2127.pdf

The bill summary is:

Provides that whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information over the internet or knowingly installs or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of
gambling information over the internet, in his or her primary residence for recreational purposes, is guilty of a misdemeanor subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.

Provides that "recreational purposes" means for the defendant's own enjoyment and not as part of an enterprise that derives income from operating an internet web site that transmits or receives gambling information.

Washington State Casinos are fine, Playing at an Online Casino
is Just as Bad as Molesting a Small Child Though According to
That State's New Law

When asked about his views on online gambling, he was hesitant to openly admit his support for legalizing and regulating the industry. He would like to see more studies done on the effects of local economies, etc.; however, he steadfastly believes that every U.S. citizen has the right to govern their own private lives. He compared the crackdown on online gambling to prohibition and truly believes that there is no way to eliminate the activity.

Rep. Strow had some interesting thoughts on why more has not been done to gather public support against the recent federal legislation. He said that he has had numerous colleagues and lobbyists approach him to commend him for his efforts, saying they wished they also had the guts to stand up and speak out. According to Rep. Strow, several lobbyists have asserted that due to the sensitive nature of the subject, they risked losing funding for some of the programs they support of the lobbied in favor of online gambling. Indian casino interests were mentioned specifically.

Over the next couple of years, Rep. Strow hopes to introduce legislation to legalize online poker rooms in his state. He realizes he faces a large uphill battle, much like Rep. Jim Kasper in North Dakota does. The most important thing that supports of online gambling need to realize is that there ARE publicly elected officials who support legalization and regulation. Rep. Strow welcomes any and all support. He can be reached at strow.chris@leg.wa.gov. Please feel free to contact him with suggestions.

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Kira Wissman, Gambling911.com

Originally published February 28, 2007 11:06 pm ET