CAN ONLINE GAMBLING BE LEGALISED IN THE USA?

2 February 2007

Washington State Rep. Chris Strow and his House Bill 1243 seem to think so....if it's in the privacy of your home

Washington State has earned the unenviable reputation of chasing and punishing online gamblers with more energy than that reserved for child molesters, but not all legislators in the state have closed minds and hypocritical attitudes toward a pastime they have made a felony for their citizens.

Mid-January a bill was submitted with the objective of excluding Internet gambling played from a person's home from being regarded as a felony. This also includes online poker.

Under the state's harsh 2006 internet gambling law, any online gambling currently conducted in the state is a Class C Felony, which is the same penalty for possessing child pornography.

Washington State Rep. Chris Strow, R-Whidbey Island, intends to change that and has introduced House Bill 1243 to correct what he considers an inappropriately brutal penalty for an activity responsible adults should be allowed to do in the privacy of their home should they so wish.

"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.

He added, "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."

Other sponsors of the bill include Representatives Kirby, B. Sullivan, Simpson, and Appleton. House Bill 1243 is currently awaiting a hearing in the House Commerce and Labor Committee.

Strow made a plea for state residents to call and write to the Chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, Representative Steve Conway, to ask him to schedule a hearing for House Bill 1243.

Conway's contact details are: (360) 786-7906 or Conway.steve@leg.wa.gov.

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