Internet Gambling: Washington State Looks to Amend Law

For nearly the past year, Washington State has made it a crime to gamble online.  In fact, doing so is considered a Class C felony, with a punishment no different than that of child molestation and drug dealing.  Until now the law has not been put into affect other than to harass one popular online gambling affiliate webmaster residing in the state to remove all links to internet gambling sites.  That site soon plans to block out Washington State ip addresses.

Now the barbaric law is being challenged by Rep. Chris Strow, R-Whidbey Island. 

“There’s a certain point at which policy can be perceived as ‘nanny stateish.’ I think we reached that point with last year’s legislation and I’m aiming to make amends,” said Strow, who is appealing to Washington State citizens, though he would probably like to garner support from those outside the state as well.

Strow announced his legislation, House Bill 1243, to quash the felony charge language in last year’s legislation addressing in-home internet gambling.

“My goal with this legislation is to correct an element from last year’s online gambling bill, Senate Bill 6613, that made it a Class C Felony to gamble recreationally in one’s own home if it is done online,” said Strow.

“While I do see the need for protecting our citizens from online gaming that may be scamming innocent victims, I do think that there is also a level of accountability, as an adult, to do as he or she chooses in his or her own home,” said Strow. “Most certainly choosing to gamble, or play a game of skill such as poker, should not have been made a crime equivalent to possessing child pornography or threatening the Governor.”

House Bill 1243 is currently awaiting a hearing in the House Commerce and Labor Committee.

“While I have requested a hearing on the bill, people need to call and write the Chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, Representative Steve Conway, and ask him to schedule a hearing for House Bill 1243,” said Strow. Rep. Conway can be reached at (360) 786-7906 or Conway.steve@leg.wa.gov

Stow's announcement comes at a time when other states are seriously considering regulating online gambling in an effort to help fuel local economies. 

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Christopher Costigan, www.gambling911.com

Originally published January 29, 2007 8:02 pm ET