Wednesday, January 31, 2007

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.