Washington State makes internet gambling a felony

[Johnny Empire]

In fact, depending on how you read the bill, visiting this website is also a Class C Felony. If you're in Washington State, go turn yourself in now.

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But you can always play the lotto, right?

 

[The Watchdog]

Just outrageous

I can believe what is happening..

And everyone arm crossed allowing this...

Soon, they will come in to your house and tell you: HELLO, WE ARE FROM THE US GOVERMENT, WE ARE INSTALLING RECORDING DEVICES ALL AROUND YOUR HOUSE TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE TALKING WHAT IS ALLOWED..

People say that in Cuba you dont have the right for religion, opinion and other stuff...

At least they are aware of it.. The US does the same, but with a beatiful picture been sold to you... Freedom my "%"%&$"..

 

[soflat]

I can believe what is happening..

And everyone arm crossed allowing this...

Well, what do you suggest we do? Call up the gov't and tell them we are breaking the law?

 

[The Watchdog]

Well,

I cant do much. I am just a third world country citizen who lives by what ever is decided up there.

If Antigua is making such a big complain, and not even them are making things change? What could I do...?

However some citizens in the states might have noticed that every day their rights are in risk of bieng violated more as time passes

 

[tim5ny]

I have family in Everett, Washington, and they say that you can't go a mile in any direction from where they are without running into an Indian casino. The state has tons of these Indian casinos and relies heavily on the revenue generated by these Indian scum. Not a morality issue at all why they have banned internet gambling.... just the Almighty buck. How ironic also is the fact that Nevada is one of the few states that has made internet gambling illegal.

 

[The Watchdog]

My god

Indian Scum??? You have problem with indian people?

Probably you are another white proud person who believes is your God's given gift to rule over everyone... any ways, I really don't care abut your opinion on other races.

The point is, why would the goverment ban sites? DO YOU KNOW WHAT BAN MEANS? It means you won't have access because they believe you shouldn't see it. Not even asking you what your position is.

I am happy that indian reservations make money out of the US people adicted to gambling. Las Vegas I've heard is an awesome place to be... Never the less.. if someone enjoys just making a cup of coffee at 1 am, not getting all dressed up and use the money they have worked for and spend it in something they want, who the @%@ these guys from the goverment think they are on telling you what to do with your time, money and what to see on the web??????

I don't have anything against the US.. but apparently you seem to be some one who, like sheep, agrees on everything "the shepard" says or commands.

This is more than if gambling online is good or bad. Today is gambling, probably tomorrow will be which stores you can buy from, which religous sites you can visit, and what are you allowed to read and what not.

 

[thelawnet]

I have family in Everett, Washington, and they say that you can't go a mile in any direction from where they are without running into an Indian casino. The state has tons of these Indian casinos and relies heavily on the revenue generated by these Indian scum.

Is it not considered racist/offensive to refer to them as Indian scum?

 

[The Watchdog]

thanks

Totally agree with you on the comment by the fellow partner here...

 

[soflat]

Don't most governments control citizens' access to gambling?

If you are so worried about people's freedoms, then maybe you should focus on other, more-restrictive countries; because our freedom to gamble has actually expanded over the past couple of decades as casinos and lotteries have proliferated across America, even deep into the Bible belt.

I am happy that indian reservations make money out of the US people adicted to gambling.

Are you happy if internet casinos do the same? It doesn't reflect well on your industry when you celebrate preying on addicted gamblers.

 

[tim5ny]

Lay off you big babies! Anybody who doesn't earn their living is pure scum in my book, and the casino Indians top the list for me. I live down the road from an Indian casino and reservation, and believe me they've done nothing but hurt the area by buying up all the land around here from their casino revenues and increasing the tax burden on the rest of us. Even though the Supreme court has ordered them to pay taxes on the land purchased outside of their tiny reservation, they still haven't coughed up a dime, and refuse to acknowledge the U.S Supreme court's decision. The self-proclaimed tribal leader is the brains behind their many enterprises and is a graduate of Harvard. Without him they'd just be a bunch of lazy drunks like they have been for decades. Don't make a stand against me unless you're living it first hand like I am. Most of them are lazy SCUM in my area.

 

[tim5ny]

Indian Scum??? You have problem with indian people?

Probably you are another white proud person who believes is your God's given gift to rule over everyone... any ways, I really don't care abut your opinion on other races.

The point is, why would the goverment ban sites? DO YOU KNOW WHAT BAN MEANS? It means you won't have access because they believe you shouldn't see it. Not even asking you what your position is.

I am happy that indian reservations make money out of the US people adicted to gambling. Las Vegas I've heard is an awesome place to be... Never the less.. if someone enjoys just making a cup of coffee at 1 am, not getting all dressed up and use the money they have worked for and spend it in something they want, who the @%@ these guys from the goverment think they are on telling you what to do with your time, money and what to see on the web??????

I don't have anything against the US.. but apparently you seem to be some one who, like sheep, agrees on everything "the shepard" says or commands.

This is more than if gambling online is good or bad. Today is gambling, probably tomorrow will be which stores you can buy from, which religous sites you can visit, and what are you allowed to read and what not.

Dude! You sound like a wishy-washy fag. Get some balls!

 

[pokeraddict]

I'm moving to South Dakota and I understand it is a felony there already. I hope at least my wife can visit me in jail for some conjugal visits.

 

[Simmo!]

Let's get this thread back on the issue please and quit the emotional overflow. It's not a Meister trait, so lets keep it that way.

Simmo!

 

[Sodax77]

Only 50% players come from North America. Including "land of the Freedom" .
Too many times, there is some absurd T&C's at some casinos, because this one country <sigh>

There is almost 200 other countires as well ...if u didn't know.

(sorry, lazy to check exact number)

 

[Slotster!]

Only 50% players come from North America. Including "land of the Freedom" .
Too many times, there is some absurd T&C's at some casinos, because this one country <sigh>

There is almost 200 other countires as well ...if u didn't know.

(sorry, lazy to check exact number)

That's an amazing fact in itself though... 201 (for example) countries, with over 50% coming from just one of them.

It's like the old Tommy Cooper gag... "One in four of the people in the world are Chinese, I can't work out which one it is in the Nolan Sisters..."

I agree the comments are a bit harsh there Tim! Your personal experience is fair enough, but to use a generalisation against an entire race like that is a bit naughty.

 

[cheekymonkey]

It's like the old Tommy Cooper gag... "One in four of the people in the world are Chinese, I can't work out which one it is in the Nolan Sisters..."

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL - Tommy Cooper...I cant help myself when I watch him. A genius. One more classic -

'I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.'

I agree the comments are a bit harsh there Tim! Your personal experience is fair enough, but to use a generalisation against an entire race like that is a bit naughty.

A bit? I'm surprised he hasn't been banned.

 

[liquidsoap]

Only 50% players come from North America. Including "land of the Freedom" .
Too many times, there is some absurd T&C's at some casinos, because this one country <sigh>

There is almost 200 other countires as well ...if u didn't know.

(sorry, lazy to check exact number)

Kind of figured that but suprisingly never thought about that.

Dude! You sound like a wishy-washy fag. Get some balls!

Tim you crack me up
But I see where your coming from, but I would have worded it differently

 

[The Watchdog]

Freedom for gambing expanding??

Probably you are talking about lotteries or raffles where the US goverment is making their cut.

You may not know it, but US banks are not allowing their customers to fund any account that is related or might be related to end up on an offshore company dedicated to provide gambling services.

The Indian reservations probably didn't had another option. Do you think the owners of those casinos are Indian Chiefs ??????? I guarantee you not.

Most of those proffits probably end up in hands of people having gambling business all around the globe.

I guarantee you that freedom of gambling is not expanding.

Here is the problem... The US knows that their citizens are playing on an industry of 15billion proffit a year or more. Every year expanding incredibly...
So, they are pissed that your so precioused green Benjamins are being sent to other countries with out them receiving part of that.

So they tell you about underage people wagering, compulsive gambling and all those sotries about the industry being associated to organized crime and money laundring for you to sympathize with them. I am sure they are doing a great job doing that.... So, how do they prevent you from not doing this?? They want to tell you which sites you can't visit and where you can't spend your money. If you think about it, is probably the same as going around New York for cuban cigars, which if you find them, it will be probably as bad as you looking for crack. Or try taking a commercial flight to visit the amazing Cuban beaches... Because they are not friends with the US you must play along and act as if they don't exist.

Think about it, freedom of gambling in the US is not expanding at all.

Timy5ny, regarding my balls, I won't play your childish closed minded game. If you don't addmit you are been used as a ragdoll, thats your problem... I am not here to fight with you...

 

[pokeraddict]

Maybe it is possible the poster was talking about the casinos, not the people's descent who own the land. If this is the case I understand. Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina is the biggest ripoff casino I have ever seen. A vast majority of the machines are not regulated. They are Pot of Golds manufactured in Georgia with no regulation and from my understanding can be rigged to pay a payout % like a slot machine, not like a random dealt video poker machine. They are not available in any "real" casino and cannot be used in any casino state. I use the term real because Harrah's Cherokee is dry and does not have table games so IMO it is not a real casino. I have to think Harrah's walks away with a good chuck of the profits too for their management and brand name use.

If it was a knock at those who own the land the casinos are on then I retract my defense of the statement.

 

[caruso]

A bit? I'm surprised he hasn't been banned.

See how long I'd be around with comments like that.

Whatever.

 

[soflat]

I just think you are barking up the wrong tree.

Gambling freedom has undeniably expanded in the past two decades. Twenty years ago if you wanted to play slots or table games your choices were Nevada and New Jersey. The list of states that have legalized casino gambling is quite long indeed. The door was also opened to legalized tribal casino operations. Lotteries are everywhere. Account wagering on horseracing is allowed. Etc, etc. Most people have access to legal gambling.

If Americans are 50% of the online gaming business, there must be a lot of countries that are not pulling their own weight, so why don't you go pick on them?

 

[Pinababy69]

these Indian scum.

wishy-washy fag.

Wow Tim, how impressive. Not what I'd expect from you. Anyone else you don't like? Was gonna let this go, but this shit really, really bugs me. Sorry Simmo, one and only comment I promise.

 

[Sodax77]

Dude! You sound like a wishy-washy fag. Get some balls!

Take that damn soup, and wash your mouth....

 

[Lord_Have_Mercy]

I have family in Everett, Washington, and they say that you can't go a mile in any direction from where they are without running into an Indian casino. The state has tons of these Indian casinos and relies heavily on the revenue generated by these Indian scum.

Let's not forgot we are envader's on the Indian's land. And we have a history of killing and mistreating them. They don't have a history of killing and mistreating us. Regardless how upsetting in my seems. They have a right to run whatever business or partnership with whomever they chose. Im in GA and can't go into any convience store and there's a GD lottery line. I can't go a mile in any direction from where I live without running into a GA lottery line. The state has tons of these Lottery lines and relies heavily on the revenue generated by these White Scum.

 

[rtmlam]

I just think you are barking up the wrong tree.

Gambling freedom has undeniably expanded in the past two decades. Twenty years ago if you wanted to play slots or table games your choices were Nevada and New Jersey. The list of states that have legalized casino gambling is quite long indeed. The door was also opened to legalized tribal casino operations. Lotteries are everywhere. Account wagering on horseracing is allowed. Etc, etc. Most people have access to legal gambling.

If Americans are 50% of the online gaming business, there must be a lot of countries that are not pulling their own weight, so why don't you go pick on them?

Agreed, to my knowledge no one has been arrested or charged in the US for breaking any laws related to someone gambling online. IMO these laws are basically untested and unenforceable currently. I have to believe that by now everyone knows this is not an issue related to morality but direct competition with current gambling in the US. Legalized gambling has definitely expanded across the country. I also believe that any legislation limiting access and use of the internet will face challenges that cannot be overcome, although personally I would support some related to the exploitation of children.

It is quite telling as well that North America makes up 50% of online players. Must be a lot of us looking out our windows at night for the gambling police. I guess contrary to popular belief by some of the comments in this thread, I still wake up each day, work where I choose, eat what I like, worship at a place of my choosing, travel at my leisure, and enjoy my favorite "vices" including gambling. While there can always be debate regarding specific issues in the US (as with any country), I don't feel my "freedoms" have been limited or diminished. US bashing seems to be a popular pastime these days, but low and behold there are always very large numbers wanting to become US citizens. Of course not quite the massive numbers waiting to get into Costa Rica.

 

[The Watchdog]

mmm you better make some research

I didn't meant to offend anyone.

Is true.. probably even more than 50% of the online gambling industry income comes from the US.

However, I guarantee you that if there is one online sportsbook, casino or poker room operating in the US is working underground because it will be illegal.. .Why do you think most of the industry is located in Costa Rica, Antigua and the UK???

It is true that the US is violating agreements stablished by the WTO with Antigua... They don't like their US dollars going to Antigua, so they do not allow advertisement or US citizens' money to fund their accounts in Antigua. This has affected the whole industry.

Do a test. If you have a Visa or MC card go to a major online casino or Sportsbook which is located in Costa Rica, Antigua or the Uk... let me know if its approved. Not only that.. that your statement says the name of the Casino.

I belive you should make a research on the current problem at the World Trade Organization between the US and Antigua. Also you should check the allegations by some people on the US goverment accusing the industry to be linked to organized crime and money laundring.

Why haven't you ever seen an advertisment of a BOS, BODOG,MonacoGold Casino or Pokerstars on any bus, street or TV show?? The US goverment considers it ilegal, so not too much people dare to advertise. Even if it not an actual law, they will prosecute you for this.

Look to the recent BODOG issue with the airplanes they were going to use for advertisement. Learn about the Wire Act and all what they are working on.

And of course everyone wants to go the US.. They have sold so good the American Way of Live and that it is the land of opportunities that everyone wants to go to have their Car, Drink some Coca Cola, eat tons of Mc Donalds and support the country that will bring peace and love on earth... Thank god Costa Rica is not like that... we are quite happy been poor and dominated by a country that charges $100 a head for having the priviledge of standing in the embassy to beg for permission to go there...

 

[soflat]

However, I guarantee you that if there is one online sportsbook, casino or poker room operating in the US is working underground because it will be illegal.. .Why do you think most of the industry is located in Costa Rica, Antigua and the UK???

Sportsbetting is only legal in one state here. If I can't take sportsbets here, then why should the Costa Ricans be able to take bets here?

What is so special about Costa Ricans that they deserve more rights in the US than its own citizens?

Why haven't you ever seen an advertisment of a BOS, BODOG,MonacoGold Casino or Pokerstars on any bus, street or TV show?? The US goverment considers it ilegal, so not too much people dare to advertise. Even if it not an actual law, they will prosecute you for this.

I got news for you. There are internet poker ads everywhere. There is a big billboard for Paradise Poker on I-95. The offshore sportsbooks advertise in the daily newspapers and on television. Golden Palace advertises on the radio.

You should go to the embassy and pay $100 to come here and see for yourself. Let me know, I'll buy you a Coca Cola and some McDonalds when you get here.

 

[tim5ny]

I was bad again! I apologize to the guy I called a fag, and I really don't hate anyone... including Indians ( who don't pay their taxes and get drunk all day). But seriously, I apologize to those I have slandered and offended.

 

[tim5ny]

The state has tons of these Lottery lines and relies heavily on the revenue generated by these White Scum.

I love that last line!

 

[NoMouthToScream]

Not paying taxes and alcohol problems comes from, let's see, history of getting their lands stolen from them, countless generations of families dead from wars and diseases from the outside, their women raped and having their history and culture completely wiped away. Yeah, Native Americans have it good.

 

[realwtfsup]

I have family in Everett, Washington, and they say that you can't go a mile in any direction from where they are without running into an Indian casino. The state has tons of these Indian casinos and relies heavily on the revenue generated by these Indian scum. Not a morality issue at all why they have banned internet gambling.... just the Almighty buck. How ironic also is the fact that Nevada is one of the few states that has made internet gambling illegal.

Wow I have lost a lot of respect for you. I happen to be one of those Indian scum. I do not personally work for the casinos but many of my family does.

 

[tim5ny]

I agree the comments are a bit harsh there Tim! Your personal experience is fair enough, but to use a generalisation against an entire race like that is a bit naughty.

I'm a lover, not a hater Slotster! Point taken... I was a bit harsh on an entire race. Fact is, there are many indians who take pride in their heritage and traditions and to them it is much more precious than chasing the Almighty dollar. The ones that are truly respectable, and take pride in their heritage would never soil themselves with the filthy revenues of gambling. I'm sorry, but when I see someone claiming to be a true American Indian getting involved in the casino business, I lose all respect for them. It just doesn't mix.

 

[tim5ny]

Wow I have lost a lot of respect for you. I happen to be one of those Indian scum. I do not personally work for the casinos but many of my family does.

I'm white scum and you're indian scum. What's the difference. Two scums can get along.

 

[pacers31]

Right on No Mouth. If we in the US are the moral beacon of the world, then satan must be feeling that his job is done!! Whether it is land from the indians or oil from the arabs, the US needs to take a look at our own human rights record before throwing stones at others. We complain when other countries invade and confiscate their neighbors, yet we glorify our great expansion west that wiped out the original inhabitants. Only one word for it, HYPOCRISY!!!!

 

[johnsteed]

***


This hits a nerve on two fronts.


I was recently asked by some Korean students of mine, who had heard that "Native Americans" (apologize for trying to be politically correct on this one) don't exist anymore. I wasn't upset by the comment (they're very young and don't know any better), but I explained to them that they had obviously heard it incorrectly.


For one, the "Native Americans" were here first (well, over there because I'm here in South Korea at the moment). I have no problem with them being entitled to certain privileges. There are plenty of "Indian Reservations" near my hometown, and I've not known there to be any problems stemming from these areas (at least affecting the neighboring areas). The "Native Americans" that I know generally get the short end of the stick. Oddly enough, when visiting Canada back in February, I noticed that they have "Black History Month", which is ridiculous considering I'm unaware of any month (nevermind a single day) honoring the "Native Americans".


There are stereotypes that will follow any creed (unjustly thrust into quick schemas), but generalizing an entire race based on individual cases is steep and foolhardy.


Moreover, coming back by attacking "White Scum" to prove a point is equally defiant. I, my family, and some of my friends are Caucasian. I don't have a racist bone in my body, nor do the people I know. Of course, there are some out there who are just plain ignorant, and there's no excuse for the way they think. I guess it depends on where you're growing-up, but I've been taught very clearly to be open about other people's heritages, and to not judge the person based on their skin, but for what and who they really are. "White" people aren't the only racists in the world, even if they seem to be the most fashionable targets these days.


Not every Caucasian person is "corporate" or "religious", not every Native American is an "unemployed drunk", not every person of Asian/Middle-East decent owns and operates either a "7-11" or a "Chinese Restaurant", and not every African American is a "gangsta slingin' crack rock". I realize I'm stating the obvious (and going in uncharted waters here... gulp!), but I for one would like a level playing field. If someone says something ineducable and obtuse, let's not blame an entire race as if they'd ALL be backing that person up on the ill-advised comments he/she made.


Steed

***

 

[The Watchdog]

very true

Soflat

Acutally some other states accept wagers in sports. Remember horse tracks and a vary famous center in your state where betting in Jai Alai (however is spelled) is also legal.

You are probably right, we have rights you dont regarding gambling; but, we are an independent country, as far as I know or at least thats what they say.
So if we offer a service or product to your country, like Antigua does, what is the problem on that??? Here in Costa Rica we have a policy, which I dont know if you have guys, which means that the law is not "retroactiva" in spanish.

Example: You can not sell alcohol if in a 2 mile diamater there is a school or church. This law was applied probably 15 years ago. Because the law is not "retroactiva" all bars not following this which were in business prior to the law, can not be closed or this law do not apply to them. That is "retroactiva", at least what I understand it is.

You goverment is basing it self on the Wire Act of I dunno which forgotten year. Apparently wagers over the phone from state to state are not allowed.
So basically you cant call a Las Vegas Casino to wager on Monday Night, you gotta be there to do so. Thank to I dont know whom, and I believe a lot of people share this, that act was made prior the internet appeared.
So what happens now, the US goverment sees that their interests are being affected so they want to change the law and screw every happy US citizen gambler and honest off shore business with this. That is just wrong. I believe they should start hiring psychics when making laws to forseeing things like this and avoid wasting time on something like this. Dont you think is more important focusing on how to bring alive your people from middle east? helping people starving and freezing in your extreme weather seasons? or maybe focusing on improving the americans education? BUT no... they have to spend tons of time and money to see how money doesnt live the country with out you guys getting a cut, plus, having implementing rules which are againts their believes in freedom and democracy leading to ban money transfers, advertisement and visiting websites such as the nice one you and me have the freedom to communicate.

We are not special at all, however, this industry provides direct jobs to more than 5000 people here and probably more than 10.000 indirect jobs to other citizens. How would you feel, if when you go to buy a newspaper, a goverment agent is making sure you by the New York Times and not the USA Today?? weird example, but lets say they dont like how the USA Today writes things... wouldnt you feel that your rights are being denied?

Do me a favor and check if any of those adds lead you to a website where you can deposit... probably not. Also a big poker room is about to advertise in the USA Today.. find the difference in what they advertise and their www.xxxx.com site.

Advertising is not illegal, however people wont do it because the goverment will give them tons of crap.

Dont you think that if major companies could advertise in a free way every time you enter yahoo, msn or other huge site at least once you would have seen some book, casino or poker room advertising??? I guarantee you they have the money to.

Regarding your invitation, if I ever have the need to go there, I will contact you. However 5 years ago when the visa was $50, I tried 3 times and NO was the answer.. thats like a $150 parlay I could have played at my favorite book during football season. Have the Double quarter pounder ready my friend!!

 

[spearmaster]

See how long I'd be around with comments like that.

Whatever.

LOL... give us a break, we can't be reading the forums 24/7...

Sorry Tim - I know you've apologized after all this - but those opening posts were simply unacceptable, so I've given you a week's vacation to think it over.

 

[The Watchdog]

Thanks Brian

This forum is awesome.. probably better than most of the ones out there...

Joining your forum has been probably the best thing I could do this year.

I would like to see your comments on the matter here.

Love the site... Keep up the good work

 

[Simmo!]

Okay so now everyones got the abuse out of their systems, those who deserve to be punished have been and the sympathy votes have been dished out, what about this Washington Decree then?

It stikes me this is unenforcable...they'll probably make an example of a few people a lá RIAA in the Napster case, but they can't really enforce prohibition unless the other states follow suit.

Is that likely to happen? Well I'm sure a few would love to shove their moral values down the throats of their residents, but it won't happen across the whole USA, so a resident could simply sign up through an ISP elsewhere in the States in the event of localised ISP-enforced prohibition.

The fact this is Washington suggests to me that this is simply an attempt to try and lead by example....maybe they supported Kyle and Goodlatte's march towards communism and decided that they can influence other States in light of it's failure.

Just a thought....

Cheers

Simmo!


PS. Oh and note people are still downloading illegal MP3's en masse. It's only because pay services sprang up that effectively add some regulatation (ie: Tax!) that it all got washed under the carpet.

 

[jetset]

Back on topic....

The fact is that the state legislators are being hypocritical here imo - as has already been said, there are an abundance of land casinos and many writers on this subject have commented on closer than desirable relationships through political donations.

Here's a piece from this week's Casinomeister News btw:

WASHINGTON STATE SETBACK

Online poker is a no-no thanks to Maggie's Bill


The right of individual American states to legislate against online gambling and poker has been exercised by the state of Washington.

Early this year Democratic State Senator Margarita Prentice introduced legislation in the Washington Senate aimed at reaffirming and clarifying" the prohibition against internet gambling in Senate Bill 6613. The Bill included provisions to exclude the state lottery from selling tickets over the Internet and imposed heavy penalties for offenders.

Encountering little opposition, Maggie's Bill was given even stronger penalties in February with the punishment for engaging in online wagering boosted to up to ten years in prison, a punitive level hitherto reserved for serious criminals like sex offenders. Two weeks later the Bill was passed in the senior hall of the state government in Olympia by a 93-5 margin.

It was signed into state law by Washington State Governor Gregoire on March 28th, and will become effective this June 7th.

The background to the new law is intriguing. Washington state has a number of Indian tribes that are allowed by sovereignty treaty to run their own casino operations, and according to some observers theoretically this authority could be extended to the online sector as a licensing arrangement not dissimilar to that of the Kahnawake in the Quebec Province of Canada - unless there was a specific law on the books that prevented them from doing so.

Changing an in situ law to a more enlightened approach could be a problem, requiring a 60 percent majority of both bodies of government in the state of Washington to override the law just passed.

Surprisingly, some anomalies surround the new prohibitive law. For example, there does not appear to be a governing body set up to regulate and enforce its provisions, and it is unlikely that the already hard-pressed state troopers will get involved according to sources. The question of enforcement is also bedevilled by practicalities like the difficulty of state-imposed monitoring of online activities of residents, and the likely opposition that this is likely to engender. Perhaps wisely, if impractically this aspect was left out.

Observers have been quick to point out that Senator Prentice, as the sponsor of the banning law has been the recipient of several contributions from the well established Washington land casino and gaming interests. In the state of Washington, there are 65 casinos and poker rooms, and residents of the state can also step across the border into Canada, where the province of British Columbia offers five more land gambling venues.

 

[jetset]

QUOTE: 'I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.' UNQUOTE

Swerving briefly off topic again (because I laugh just thinking about Tommy Cooper - was a big fan)

I agree, the offhand but expert delivery of lines like the above turned a mundane statement into a solid belly-laugh. What a loss to comedy.

I still smile just thinking of the big guy with the fez standing there holding his magicians wand and blinking....LOL, even now as I write this.

OK, detour over....back to Washington state.

 

[The Dude]

Painting the livingroom today - took a break to see what's up in the forum

Thanks Brian...

That was Spear, not me, who did the moderating thingy.

See how long I'd be around with comments like that.

Whatever

Remind me to set my alarm for 2am on a Sunday to see if you called anybody a "fag"

As for you Washingtonians, now would be a good time to contact whatever casino you're playing at to make sure that they will honor your winnings (if you win). Get this in writing.

 

[spearmaster]

Painting the livingroom today - took a break to see what's up in the forum

I hear there's another casino itching for a red paint job... better go check that one out

 

[Pinababy69]

I hear there's another casino itching for a red paint job... better go check that one out

LMAO......yeah, another one that needs "rouging". Do you know how much it bugs me when people say that?

 

[caliban]

Not nearly as much as when people say "loose" when they in fact mean "lose"

Caliban

 

[chuchu59]

***


This hits a nerve on two fronts.


I was recently asked by some Korean students of mine, who had heard that "Native Americans" (apologize for trying to be politically correct on this one) don't exist anymore. I wasn't upset by the comment (they're very young and don't know any better), but I explained to them that they had obviously heard it incorrectly.


For one, the "Native Americans" were here first (well, over there because I'm here in South Korea at the moment). I have no problem with them being entitled to certain privileges. There are plenty of "Indian Reservations" near my hometown, and I've not known there to be any problems stemming from these areas (at least affecting the neighboring areas). The "Native Americans" that I know generally get the short end of the stick. Oddly enough, when visiting Canada back in February, I noticed that they have "Black History Month", which is ridiculous considering I'm unaware of any month (nevermind a single day) honoring the "Native Americans".


There are stereotypes that will follow any creed (unjustly thrust into quick schemas), but generalizing an entire race based on individual cases is steep and foolhardy.


Moreover, coming back by attacking "White Scum" to prove a point is equally defiant. I, my family, and some of my friends are Caucasian. I don't have a racist bone in my body, nor do the people I know. Of course, there are some out there who are just plain ignorant, and there's no excuse for the way they think. I guess it depends on where you're growing-up, but I've been taught very clearly to be open about other people's heritages, and to not judge the person based on their skin, but for what and who they really are. "White" people aren't the only racists in the world, even if they seem to be the most fashionable targets these days.


Not every Caucasian person is "corporate" or "religious", not every Native American is an "unemployed drunk", not every person of Asian/Middle-East decent owns and operates either a "7-11" or a "Chinese Restaurant", and not every African American is a "gangsta slingin' crack rock". I realize I'm stating the obvious (and going in uncharted waters here... gulp!), but I for one would like a level playing field. If someone says something ineducable and obtuse, let's not blame an entire race as if they'd ALL be backing that person up on the ill-advised comments he/she made.


Steed

***

Racism or racial discrimination,whatever you call it, will always be with us. As for myself, I tend to look at the bright side. Many beautiful and intelligent people come from mixed-race marriages and they are truly a great sight

Watchdog, regarding retroactiva, can it also mean that if a law/bill is passed that prohibits online gambling, those who gambled before it was passed can still continue their online stints. Then there's no need for any of us to worry,would it?

 

[chuchu59]

Not nearly as much as when people say "loose" when they in fact mean "lose"

Caliban

Well, it's close. People that are 'loose' with their money are likely to 'lose'.

 

[The Watchdog]

Exactly

Thats how the law works in Costa Rica..

However, I dont know if thats also applied in the States.

If it works like that, all casinos that have been in business prior the new bill will be saved. All the new ones.. bye bye...

But I am not an expert neither in Costa Rican or American law.

 

[Slotster!]

Not nearly as much as when people say "loose" when they in fact mean "lose"

Caliban

Oooh snap! My pet hate also... That and "There" instead of "Their"

 

[Simmo!]

Oooh snap! My pet hate also... That and "There" instead of "Their"

Snob