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The Washington State Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday concerning a new state law that makes playing online poker and other online casino games a felony. The controversial law is being challenged by the state director of the Poker Player Alliance (PPA), Lee Rousso, who contends that the law is nothing but a roundabout way to prevent competition for tribal casinos in the area.
State representative, Assistant Attorney General Jerry Ackerman expressed his ignorance for the online casino industry by arguing that Internet gaming is by its nature unsafe. Despite a multitude of evidence that Internet technology has advanced to the point that fraud and underage participation are easily blocked Ackerman stated these as two of his top concerns. How wanting to protect citizens translates to harshly punishing them may leave many of us scratching our heads but Ackerman fought hard and presented his case to the court.
The PPA had of course doesn't plan to back down anytime soon.
"This law is not about the legislature protecting the state's citizens, but rather about protecting special interests and tribal casinos from competition," said PPA Chairman Alfonse D'Amato.
Justice Gerry Alexander took the side of the online gambling industry saying that the state has allowed many forms of gambling, and prejudice against online casinos may just be a "generational thing."
The absurdity of the law it's self remained the elephant in the room as the debate unfolded. Trying to make average citizens into felons to protect them from an unregulated online industry rather than simply regulating the industry just doesn't make much sense. In many ways the PPA's argument against the law remains the only one that seems to hold water.
We'll keep you posted on the court's decision. If the PPA doesn't win it could spell trouble for many players in Washington State.
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