Washington Votes

2006 Senate Bill 6613 (Banning internet gambling)

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  • Introduced by Sen. Margarita Prentice, (D-Renton) on January 17, 2006, to prohibit operating or participating in internet gambling.
    • Referred to the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee on January 17, 2006.
    • Substitute offered to the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee on February 3, 2006, to add the internet and telecommunications systems to the list of means over which a person is prohibited from knowingly transmitting or receiving wagers or other gambling information. The penalty for knowingly engaging in such illegal transmission or receipt is increased from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C felony. The Lottery Commission is prohibited from offering any game where the internet can be used to buy tickets or chances. An affirmative vote of 60% of both houses of the legislature is required before the Lottery Commission may offer any lottery game that allows or requires a player to use a device that electronically replicates any game of chance, including electronic scratch tickets. The bill as referred to committee was not considered..
    • The substitute passed in the Senate by voice vote on February 14, 2006.
  • Passed in the Senate (44 to 0) on February 14, 2006. [Vote Details and Comments]
  • Received in the House on February 16, 2006.
    • Referred to the House Commerce & Labor Committee on February 16, 2006.
  • Passed in the House (93 to 5) on March 2, 2006, to add prohibitions to the Gambling Act and the State Lottery regarding the use of the Internet in wagering and in selling lottery tickets, respectively. Requires a 60% vote of the Legislature to permit the State Lottery to offer any game using a device that electronically replicates a game of chance. [Vote Details and Comments]
  • Signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on March 28, 2006, to add prohibitions to the Gambling Act and the State Lottery regarding the use of the Internet in wagering and in selling lottery tickets, respectively. Requires a 60% vote of the Legislature to permit the State Lottery to offer any game using a device that electronically replicates a game of chance.

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Comments

Introduced by Sen. Margarita Prentice, (D-Renton) on January 17, 2006. Passed in the Senate (44 to 0) on February 14, 2006. New Comment

1) Pathetic [by Anonymous Citizen on May 5, 2008]
Even banks won't let you decide where you're going to spend your money with your debit card (i.e. an ATM at a casino).

The government and the banks need to get out of our spending habits and our bedrooms. It's none of their business.

I'd be more than happy to pay the tax on my gambling earnings from online casinos. That is, if I was allowed to play.......
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2) So much for Freedom!! [by Anonymous Citizen on March 13, 2008]
our freedom in America is getting smaller by the year, the whole point of taking away online casinos to US citizens, is for one reason and one reason only. MONEYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!! they have their hands in the casinos across america and want to keep getting their profits from them, since your online casinos are not in America, they feel that they can do what ever they feel to keep their hands in every one's money. THIS IS THE WORST LAW THEY HAVE PASSESD IMPOSING ON ALL AMERICAN FREEDOMS TO HAVE FUN. UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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3) challenge it [by Anonymous Citizen on May 14, 2008]
show up at the kent courthouse on thursday,,may 15th..10:30 am..law on trial and im gonna be there wearing red and carrying a sign with a lot of other people..everyone who dont like the state nanny,,,be there...pro poker players will be there to talk..look up PPA (poker players alliance) on net and see what you can do..This is a real good example of a law bought and paid for by casinos with no real good logic for its existance..it costs me 10 in gas and at least 40 to play at a casino...I can play for a couple of bucks and no gas online..wheres the logic..

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4) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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5) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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6) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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7) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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8) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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9) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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10) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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11) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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12) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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13) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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14) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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15) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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16) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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17) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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18) vacation,Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
Thank you!
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19) Credit Card fraud due to Online gambling? [by Anonymous Citizen on December 10, 2007]
just curious if anyone has been the victim of credit card fraud or identity theft after gambling online? Or perhaps been "stiffed" your winnings?


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20) Internet Gambling "Ban"? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 5, 2008]
Is ridiculous! You can play in a brick and mortar poker tournament, but you are a felon if you play one online? What kind of morons think this is a good law?

To answer the fraud question - no. There are tons of big online companies that make money, and are incredibly sensitive to their public perception - they would never risk their profit stream by trying to skim you. Of course there are tiny companies that try to be fishy now and then, but if you spend 2 minutes researching where you play before you start, you are fine. A lot of these companies are actually publicly listed companies in places like Britain - very respectable and transparent markets where you know what is going on.
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21) My Religion [by Anonymous Citizen on July 1, 2007]
I posted on another site something I want to share with this site. First I see no recent postings... shame, this needs to be kept in the public eye!!

I read not too long ago, the large independent casinos are adopting the attitude, if you cant beat em, join em... which is what we in WAshinton State should be doing. Rather than ban and create a tax burden, turn the on line gaming into a source of tax revenue! We have spent far to many tax dollars on this insane law already. I would rather see those dollars feeding ungry or putting books and computers in schools!

Next, what if I choose to declare my on line gambling as my religious right? I pray to my god about a problem, I ask for an answer to be delivered to me. I seek that answer with a wager.. if I win money then the answer is affirmative, if I loose money the answer is negative. Ohhhh yes, they are protecting us by prohibiting on line gaming.,.. I forgot... Well then start protecting those who are granted the right to take toxic poisons for religious enlightenment, or those who handle deadly snakees to show their faith in their God. What about those to toss the dice.. oppps I mean bones seeking divine guidance-how much further off is that then reading poker cards? So now the government is able to interfere with my choicexs in religious ceromony, and take away one of my basic constitutional rights..... ??? But someone who walks on red hot coals barefoot, is not in need of protection, where I am from viewing numbers on playing cards.... shesshhhh...

Our founding fathers should rise from their graves and haunt these so called polititions that are.... IMPOSSING laws that can be direct violations of our civil rights!

(Note, this screen wont let me read all of wht I am typing, so forgive typos etc...)



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22) Gambling a Religion? [by Anonymous Citizen on July 2, 2007]
Nice try but it doesn't cut it. Gambling can be many things but religion isn't one of them. If you used that kind of logic any past time / obsession would qualify. For example: Smoking. Just because to worship at the alter doesn't mean God has anything to do with it.

Your first arguement was better. If people want to be stupid and throw their money away on online gambling it's their business. Makes little difference if it's online or in a casino.
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23) Get It Right [by Anonymous Citizen on April 11, 2007]
This is for whoever that so called politician is who feels she has the power to tell me how I am able to spend my money. I didnt tell what lies to tell to get into office so she should not be trying to tell me how to spend the money I have to work very hard for every single day. Why not stop state lotteries or bingo parlors? Better yet, shut down Vegas, Atlantic City, and the Gulf coast casinos. Oh...I forgot. Can't do that then the politicians would not be able to gamble. Some of us like to gamble but don't have the luxury of living near a casino so we gamble online. How about I tell her how to spend our tax dollars that is paying her salary.
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24) dissapointed [by Anonymous Citizen on March 30, 2007]
waste of taxpayer resources.
how dissapointing that we pay these people.
my confidence in government is slowly eroding
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25) Freedom [by Anonymous Citizen on February 23, 2007]
We should be allowed to spend our money and gamble if we want. I think more time should be spent upon helping poor homeless, solving crime, etc.
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26) Stock Market!!!!!!!!!!!! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 15, 2007]
If you are going to illigalize internet gambling you better illegalize the stock market, a lot of poor suckers have lost a lot more money there. OOOOOppppps, I forgot, the right people are making money and losing money with the stock market.
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27) Trying to fix SB 6613 with [by Anonymous Citizen on February 12, 2007]
HB1243 Go look at that bill and figure out how you can support it. From a player's point of view it takes away most of the negatives from SB 6613.
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28) This bill needs to be repealed [by Anonymous Citizen on February 11, 2007]
Poker tournament at a local cardroom = legal.
Poker tournament online = felony.
What in the world????????
I can't believe we live in a state where those 2 facts are simultaneously true.
SB 6613 needs to be repealed!!
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29) ashamed [by Anonymous Citizen on January 30, 2007]
I am ashamed of this government. Once again it has overstepped it's bounds and stuck it's nose where it doesn't belong.
I don't need Big Brother watching me and telling me what I can and cannot do.

I assume the govt. is banning online gambling because they haven't yet figured out a way to tax it. Keep it up.... the only thing left to tax is the dirty air we breathe.
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30) ARE WE REALLY FREE? [by lann on January 28, 2007]
Our rights are slowly being stripped away. I find this so sad. Here we fight for other countries freedom, while our own rights are disappearing. We have never had such a corrupt government and president EVER. I could have sworn the constitution began with We, the people.......not me the president or me the government. Please vote these corrupt and dangerous officals out of office.
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31) Washington State online Gambling Law [by Anonymous Citizen on January 28, 2007]
I've just read a number of the comments posted here and noticed that several people seem to believe that this disgusting intrusion into our private lives won't fly. Guess what...it's already airborn!
The reason I came to this site in the first place was because one of my favorite online sites just posted a notice that Washington players will no longer be accepted!
I cannot believe the audacity of these graft taking, worthless overpaid leeches! It seems impossible that the most corrupt people on the face of the earth could be dictating morality to private citizens!
Please don't just scream to each other! Somone with the knowledge and capabilty needs to put together an automated email setup and post it on the web. Put every single one of these creeps email address into that list and allow us all to send them weekly reminders of who votes and who wants to see them out of politics!
I'm sure it can be done and I wish I knew how.
If something like this is done, please let me know. my email is lynnfallis@yahoo.com
Next these idiots will be telling us where to take our vacations or what color to paint our bedrooms!
Where does it end?
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32) In reply to:Tired of being an Anonymous Citizen [by Anonymous Citizen on May 1, 2007]
I have a website. I am glad to hear people willing to get the message out to the people that are ignorant to the facts that our freedoms are
are being taken from us systematiclly.
I can put up the addresses for you lynn
We need a revolution- we the people need to take back our Government before it is too late.
This is yet just another example of the rapidly growing erosions of our freedom. Patroit act, hate crime legislations. I just read that smokers are being evicted from their apartments. Old women told quit smoking or get out.

We are not in Iraq fighting for freedom, we are fighting for their oil.
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33) PLEASE READ AND CALL/EMAIL House Bill 1243 [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2007]
10th District legislator introduces bill to provide an affirmative defense to the Class C Felony created by 2006 internet gambling bill
by Chris Strow

Press Release
Jan. 23, 2007

In-home recreational internet gaming shouldn’t be a felony, says Strow

10th District legislator introduces bill to provide an affirmative defense to the Class C Felony created by 2006 internet gambling bill

Rep. Chris Strow, R-Whidbey Island, today 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.

“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.


Author Contact Info: Chris Strow
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34) get a life loser [by Anonymous Citizen on January 20, 2007]
to the scum who states that online gambling should be banned well I won 1500 last night from a lousy 50 bucks.....so screw you....
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35) Opposition [by Anonymous Citizen on January 10, 2007]
This is a clear infringment of individual's rights in favour of a powerful lobby. the state has no business regulating what people do in their own homes, or regulating their ability to engage in private interaction via the Internet.
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36) How Dare this State take my rights. [by Anonymous Citizen on December 30, 2006]
Since when does ANY government have the right to tell me how or why or when I spend MY own money!
If I chose to gamble online in the privacy of my own home with my hard earned money that should be MY privilege, MY business! I am beging to feel I am living in a FACIOUS state.
What's next? I am beyond angry!
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37) Flordian [by Anonymous Citizen on December 16, 2006]
I am glad your State decided to ban online gambling. I know of a housewife who ran up charge cards over $50,000 because of online gambling. The debt was paid off over a time period. Will she do it again? Next time her husband will not be paying the bills. I agreed a Class C felony is a bit strong for placing a 25 cent wager online. Your government's intent was good just too strong of a punishment in my opinion. But I may feel differently if my spouse/partner ran up a gambling bill that I had to pay off.
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38) Big Brother wants his Taxes [by Anonymous Citizen on January 17, 2008]
Credit cards can be used to get cash in Brick and Mortar casinos. So, making Online Gambling illegal is not going to stop somebody with a gambling problem from going bankrupt. All casinos have the advantage regardless of online or brick and mortar. Therefore, this law is nothing more than an act of the State to make illegal something they can not TAX. All other arguements are moot as the same problems can be encountered in Brick and Mortar casinos that are happening with Online casinos. Having said all of that first, let me add that I believe anyone who is stupid enough to wager their money in an online casino where computer programs determine the outcome deserve to eventually go broke just like 99.9% of slot machine junkies. But, it is not the State's business to tell me where I can and can not gamble any more than to tell me where I can and can not shop for clothes.
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39) your gambling spouse [by Anonymous Citizen on December 8, 2007]
Dont penalize the entire country becuase your wife is a freak who can't controle her own impulsions, how about letting the impulsive woman who spent 50K on online gambling to do what she needs to do... get the hell out of society. If you are dumb enough to blow your entire savings on online gambling, you deserve to be broke. Let the responsible gamblers who enjoy the pass time to enjoy it and stop infringing on our rights because a small percentage of people cant keep thier dick in their pants. Why isnt alchol band for those who blow their savings to get drunk???? because it makes the powers at large money. Don't take away my weekly outing and ruin it because you are a lush.
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40) can you belive this!!! [by Anonymous Citizen on October 17, 2007]
So the rest of us have to stop doing something we love because she cant control her self! Mabey we outa outlaw motorcycles because some people cant seem to not ride whellies down the freeway at 100 miles an hour. Or better yet, lets outlaw ALL PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION, AND WE CANN ALL RIDE AROUND IN BUSSES IN PUBLIC TRANSIT, BECAUSE ONCE A MONTH I HEAR ABOUT SOME KID DYING IN A STREET RACE! Get real lady, it's not my fault that this broad spent 50k on gambling, SO WHY SHOULD I BE PUNISHED!
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41) Simply Confused. [by Anonymous Citizen on October 6, 2007]
No one should be told why, where, or how to spend their money.

Playing in person is legal.

Playing from a remote location is illegal.

Someone PLEASE try to prove to me that this makes sense.
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42) Online gambling ban "Solution"? [by Anonymous Citizen on December 18, 2006]
Someone wrote:
I am glad your State decided to ban online gambling. I know of a housewife who ran up charge cards over $50,000 because of online gambling. The debt was paid off over a time period. Will she do it again? Next time her husband will not be paying the bills. I agreed a Class C felony is a bit strong for placing a 25 cent wager online. Your government's intent was good just too strong of a punishment in my opinion. But I may feel differently if my spouse/partner ran up a gambling bill that I had to pay off.

Do you really think that this will fix the problem? I think that regulation is what will actually fix this problem. Why do you think that addicted gamblers will 'obey the law'? Why do you think companies outside the US will 'obey the law'? What we need are good quality companies that respect US law and that will do their best to not allow addicted gamblers to play. That is what the major casinos in Las Vegas do - and that is what we need online gambling providers to do. "Banning the Internet" is not the answer.

By the way, I can tell that same story for State sponsored lotteries, horse-racing, etc. Maybe we should ban all gambling! The hypocrites who make law in the state of Washington benefit greatly from lotteries, horse-racing, and brick-and-mortar casinos.

We should make all gambling providers follow the *same* rules and regulations, not support and promote 1 kind of provider while making it a FELONY to use the other kind of provider.
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43) Ridiculous Online gambling ban [by Anonymous Citizen on November 20, 2006]
Now that the elections are over, if you have a new legislator in your district, please meet with them and educate them on how hypocritical, unreasonable, and illogical SB 6613 is!!

Hopefully all you people who believe in DRIP will now do something more than just vote against incumbants. Get out there and talk to your legislators! Now that the election is over - it is the *only* way to affect change. Educate whoever you can on the numerous reasons that SB 6613 is a bad law.


p.s. I did vote against any incumbant that voted for SB 6613 - so don't get mad at me you DRIP fanatics. :-)
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44) So.... [by Anonymous Citizen on November 21, 2006]
As you have been told before many times. We DRIP *Fanatics* (interesting choice of words as if to insinuate that YOU are any less *fanatic*)have indeed talked to legislators and will continue to do so. As many Republican and some Democrat fosils now know, the VOTE is the best way to *talk* whan the more vocal methods fail. VOTES (or lack thereof)get a legislators attention. Looks like their attention has been gotten.
Watch for the change in weather next election.
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45) Idiotic online gambling ban and DRIP [by Anonymous Citizen on November 27, 2006]
Karen Keiser was one of the supporters of SB6613:
State Senator Legislative Dist No. 33
Karen Keiser DEM 17942 62.29%
Karen Steele REP 10818 37.56%

Toby Nixon was one of the few who voted against SB6613:
State Senator Legislative Dist No. 45
Eric Oemig DEM 24811 52.88%
Toby Nixon REP 22063 47.03%

I don't see an obvious message in those results, and if I see one it isn't good for SB6613. SB6613 was something most leglislators spent less than 1 minute on, and they are not going to "get the message" even if a lot of people changed their votes because of SB 6613. And regardless of how fanatic I am (and I *am* fanatic about this), I recognize that people who care about repealing SB 6613 are a very small minority of voters, so voting alone can't fix the problem. Once again, I will say that I didn't vote (or support financially) anyone who voted for this bill, and I did vote against everyone I could who voted for this bill.

However, I got *much* more accomplished by meeting with my legislators and by emailing all the legislators with my concerns. If anything changes (probably not this year), it will be because lots of citizens contacted their legislators, not because of DRIP. I am glad that you personally spoke with your legislators -good job! Try to convince everyone you know to do the same (with the same fervor you defend DRIP) :-) In addition, for the next 2 years it is the only thing we can do to get our civil liberties back.

In summary - please don't misinterpret what I am trying to say. While DRIP is fine, it is not enough to fix the problem; and can't be applied right now. That is why I am encouraging everyone to contact their legislators. I don't want to wait 2 years to start working on the situation.
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46) Correct [by Anonymous Citizen on November 27, 2006]
In spite of a large success in many areas, the effects of DRIP were profoundly offset by the *anti-Republican* tide in that if an incumbant was a Democrat, they stayed, if they were a Republican, they were ran out of town so-to-speak. This is indeed unfortunate; as all incumbants need to be *ran out of town* if we are to take back our government. Tragically, the intensly polarized, two-party system we seem to be doomed to have to live in, prevents many *sheeple* from clearly seeing that.

DRIP was clearly needed but many who might have leaned toward DRIP were more strongly swayed by the drive to get back at any republican candidate,(incumbant or not) than they were motivated to take step and measure to take back government as a whole.

I guess you'll keep talking...and I'll keep doing DRIP. But until *We the People* come together and oust these fossil, career polititians and judges, we are doomed to watch our freedoms and republic slowly vanish as these rejects sell us down the road..
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47) RE: Gambling Ban [by jbeekley on November 5, 2006]
I have (and still do) wager on sports & horse racing weekly, and have made a good living at this for the past twenty years!! Of course I have had the "losing days", but we all do. But I can also say that I have made a good amount of profit each & every year for the past ten in a row!!

Now they want to take that away from me. So, what they "REALLY" want to do is take away the cash that I have been living on now for the past eight years since I turned this in to a "Profession". As I said, I will keep on playing sports online (and some ponies on the side) and do not give a crap if they come tearing my door down.

What they really should be doing is taking all of those damn lottery tickets out of Washington State. That is where the "REAL" problem is with gambling. My wife & I just seen a very old lady who hardly had enough cash to buy her food and was getting "scratch" tickets in which she spend $20 bucks on. She got $3.00 back!! Way to go Washington!! Take away all of the cash from these people whom "Really" need it as you know you always advertise towards these people.

Go Figure...
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48) RE: Gambling Ban [by jbeekley on November 5, 2006]
I have (and still do) wager on sports & horse racing weekly, and have made a good living at this for the past twenty years!! Of course I have had the "losing days", but we all do. But I can also say that I have made a good amount of profit each & every year for the past ten in a row!!

Now they want to take that away from me. So, what they "REALLY" want to do is take away the cash that I have been living on now for the past eight years since I turned this in to a "Profession". As I said, I will keep on playing sports online (and some ponies on the side) and do not give a crap if they come tearing my door down.

What they really should be doing is taking all of those damn lottery tickets out of Washington State. That is where the "REAL" problem is with gambling. My wife & I just seen a very old lady who hardly had enough cash to buy her food and was getting "scratch" tickets in which she spend $20 bucks on. She got $3.00 back!! Way to go Washington!! Take away all of the cash from these people whom "Really" need it as you know you always advertise towards these people.

Go Figure...
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49) Ashamed to be an American [by Anonymous Citizen on November 1, 2006]
I used to be so proud to be an American, way back when it was a free country. Now, while the crooked dictatorship has us dying in Iraq to promote freedom abroad, they are wiping away our freedoms one by one. And now they took away my right to play a 5 dollar poker tournament in my own home!!!! Maybe I'll just move to Iraq where I am able to play poker online. OMG !!! this government has got to GO !!!!!!!
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50) you should leave [by Anonymous Citizen on April 25, 2007]
If you denounce America because you can't gamble online, it sounds like you have bigger problems than that. maybe it is time you leave this country, if you would infact like to trade online gambling for a life in a war torn Iraq.
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51) Freedom Rings [by Anonymous Citizen on December 16, 2006]
Maybe you should move to that lovely country.
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52) Ashamed to be an American [by Anonymous Citizen on November 5, 2006]
Yes, you should indeed be ashamed, but not to be an "American", but to be from the USA. Please do not imply that the rest of the hemisphere is involved. Calling the "USA", "America" is very insulting to the rest of us "Americans" living outside of the USA.
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53) Moronic "Online Gambling Ban" [by Anonymous Citizen on October 31, 2006]
Remember to vote against anyone who supported this bill. Then contact whoever won the race and educate them on the situation - convince them that SB 6613 needs to be repealed.
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54) Almost time!! [by Anonymous Citizen on October 28, 2006]
Be sure you vote for NO imcumbunts!! This is the ONLY way things are going to change!
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55) Often thought [by Anonymous Citizen on October 26, 2006]
I've often thought of how much money the US Government might be able to make if they decided they would step in, take over the internet gambling sites from the off shore people who are illegally regulating them now, re-regulate them, and make it legal to gamble on-line. Seems to me that the people who are doing it now are hauling in tons of money. Why donesn't the government step in and bring that money back into the greatest nation on earth. The USA! Might be able to take a chunk out of the national debt.
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56) Really !! [by Anonymous Citizen on October 28, 2006]
That is EXACTLY what they have in mind...it's called GREED!!
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57) Unconstitutional [by Anonymous Citizen on October 23, 2006]
Hey Legislators, this law is overly broad, and Unconstitutional On It's Face, the punishment doesn't fit the crime, circumvents the 14th Amendment, and is against the WA State Constitutions Privacy Rights. This will get defeated Margarita Prentice. Do you even know how to use the internet? Or does your aide check, and write your emails? And Mr. Day I'm all in right now, I have won over 500 bucks tonight, COME AND GET ME BOY!!! I DARE YA
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58) Democrat or Republican I don't care [by Anonymous Citizen on October 22, 2006]
Democrat or Republican I don't care if you voted for this legistation and you are up for re-election, I am voting against you on November 7th. I will be taking your record to the voting booth.
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59) What a crock [by Anonymous Citizen on October 22, 2006]
Where does this state get off making playing a game online with my own money a fellony and grouping it in the same catagory as a child molestor. Every representative that voted for this bill should be ashamed of themselves. I fight for this country and you take the fredoms I fight for and throw them away.
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60) SURE! [by Anonymous Citizen on October 21, 2006]
and the british may not come, so put out the lanterns!!
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61) Passed but will change [by Anonymous Citizen on October 20, 2006]
thing to remember and happening. online gamble not good for kids. it's for sure. more kid on street it's more worse for neighborhood and future events. This way it's wrong doing to punish adult and prvent kid of playing. there alot fake ID in live game at casino now. Law it's Law but. all about 8hrs job....... LIVE CASINO SHOULD BE BANNED TOO.ONLY IN INDIAN RESERVATION ALLOW. NOT IN NEARBY CITY. far away will help kids no longer think and never care about future. thank you.
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62) Goodnight [by Anonymous Citizen on October 17, 2006]
Will the last citizen to leave the Republic please turn off the lights? Thanks.
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63) Key Words are... [by Anonymous Citizen on October 19, 2006]
RESTORE the Republic NOT Leave it.

D.R.I.P.
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64) Exactly!! [by Anonymous Citizen on October 19, 2006]
Bruce Guthrie did a wonderful job during the debate, consider voting for him, and get your rights back! Voting Anti- Republican is idiotic, and for ANY incumbants!!
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65) trnjana [by Anonymous Citizen on October 14, 2006]
Due to current ban of internet betting/gaming:
1.Wake UP USA
2.Get rid off credit cards immidiattly due to they listen dictatorilship USA goverment
3.Vote all republicans out(if possibble vote for 3-rd party)
4.All republicans and democrats immidiattly need to be panished up 1000000 years immprision who voted against the most USA peoples wills especially for internet gaming ban even most of them don`t know what the internet is
Hinaf with criminals running USA country!
Or USA people,overthrow them using force,
Or divide USA in many pieces in many indepedient countries and states with own laws!
We do not need federal goverment involved at all inside our private life!

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66) Also Reform Education [by Anonymous Citizen on October 16, 2006]
Prior reply had so many errors that a reform of our education system would be in order.
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67) Anti-Republican? [by Anonymous Citizen on October 12, 2006]
In case you haven't noticed, the State of Washington is run by the Democrats, the queen of whom signed this piece of garbage legislation.

Anti-democrat might give you more mileage as well as more of your tax money back.
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68) Big Brother [by Anonymous Citizen on October 11, 2006]
It's ok to smoke and kill others since it's taxed. I've never been political until now. I'm going to become aggresively anti-republican. The rest of the world can enjoy a friendly game of poker but not the citizens of the so called greatest democracy. It's a total invasion of my privacy!!
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69) Stupid Citizens! [by Anonymous Citizen on October 15, 2006]
In the first place, this is NOT a democracy, it is supposed to be a Republic! AND..this country is supposed to be run for "We the people". If any of you out there want it to get back to what it's supposed to be, you better be thinking very seriously about how you vote. Since all legislators only think about themselves, the least you can do is vote against EVERY incumbant!! This at least would bring about some change, not enough, but SOME. AND, vote for every independent you can find! The 2-party system is not helping us get our rights back!! Remember.."If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything".
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70) Wrong Attachment [by Anonymous Citizen on October 14, 2006]
Anti-Republican???

In case you haven't noticed, the State of Washington is run by the Democrats, the queen of whom signed this piece of garbage legislation.

Anti-democrat might give you more mileage as well as more of your tax money back.


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71) Repubs and Demos [by Anonymous Citizen on November 1, 2006]
Whats the difference? Both are big government liberals.
When Repubs or Demos adopt Libertarian fiscal conservativism, I might vote for them, until then they can't rot in their socialism.
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72) First person shooter games [by Anonymous Citizen on October 5, 2006]
Does this law make online first person shooter tournements illegal
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73) Washington State Gambling [by Anonymous Citizen on October 10, 2006]
Washington State makes any game involving RISK in which a prize is awarded and a entrance fee paid "gambling." If its at a card room, indian casino, 7-11 convenience store (lottery) it is okay, but it is a Class 2 felony over the Internet, except of course, horse racing.
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74) Paradice [by Anonymous Citizen on October 4, 2006]
Anybody got a pair of dice? How bout a poker paradice. i will see you all in the federal pen. I f they let us keep our money, we can have one hell of a game, day after day. We'll see then who are the best players. The winners, however, must pay off the guards for our women and entertainers. Perhaps we could invite Martha Stewart to decorate our pen.Maybe we could get fast Eddie Edwards to get in our game. He doesn't mind accumulating gambling debts i tell ya.When I get out of the pen all reformed and all, I would then become an internet gambling enforcer. I can see myself calling the cops in to bust dem calling stations. Those guys are the one's I would go for first.
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75) Where do we live? [by Anonymous Citizen on October 3, 2006]
We work hard for our money, and no one should tell us how to spend our money. The hell with all of you for voting on this. Some people make a living on on-line gambeling.

Just because most companies who host these websites are outside the US,and because of it there making a killing of us,too bad.

Since the war started our dollar has dropped, and now we have to pay for it, this is very sad news knowing where our country is headed regarding our dollar value.

"No more guys, we can't give other countries our money, you should cycle the money back, within our fine country of ours"

Up yours, Senate
Hameed Manji

P.S Mr. President Get out of the Middle East, do you see a militrary army to fight VS, No! you don't. You just can't seem to get over 9/11 and you need therapy for this, umm those guys are dead, remember they flew the planes, unless they lived and went back home!!! And now your fighting against citizens who just want to defend their nation against you! Maybe if you pulled out just maybe our dollar will rise, like it was before you were president. And maybe we can gambel again on-line.

What's it going to be like knowing your going to be an x-president! HAHAHAH.


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76) Should move to Oregon [by Anonymous Citizen on October 1, 2006]
At least there I can enjoy the hobby that I love most!!!
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77) Ban it All [by Anonymous Citizen on October 1, 2006]
Want to ban internet gambling? Then go right ahead, but don't be hypocritical about it. Ban ALL internet gambling - that includes eTrade, Ameritrade, betting on Wall Street, Dow Jones and commodities. Ban one, then ban them all.
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78) What have all you compainers about SB 6613 done? [by Anonymous Citizen on September 25, 2006]
Have you done more than just whine about it online?

Have you contacted your representatives?
Have you contacted all the candidates in your district?
Have you called / emailed / snail mailed everyone you can to let them know how dumb SB 6613 is?

The only way we are going to be able to get the idiotic SB 6613 changed is if we DO SOMETHING!!!

"Voting against the incumbents" is *NOT* the enough. There are very few races that are close - most incumbants win by a large margin. People like Senator Prentice are going to win their elections no matter how many of us vote against them - we do not have enough numbers on our side. The only thing we have on our side is reason, logic, and justice - we have to use these to convince our lawmakers that SB 6613 was a mistake. That takes work from all of those here who are complaining. So get off your butts and start changing things!!!


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79) A pretty big assumption [by Anonymous Citizen on October 1, 2006]
a) With an attitude about voting like like yours, perhaps we should not vote at all. "BULL!!!" Incumbants require votes to stay in office. If enough people vote against them, that logic you tout dictates that they just might not get enough votes to stay in office. A defeatist attitude such as you seem to profess, is just what these incumbants depend on to stay in office.

b) What makes you think we 'haven't' been doing other things. Many have written Prentice as well as many other politicians. A good read through this thread will clearly point that out to you. We have written and will continue however a look at the track records clearly indicate that our political representatives (laugh laugh) march to their own agendas, for their own good and that of their big money (read that lobbyists). They are bought and paid for and we the people matter not anymore.

Our only hope at this point is to start over and if enough numbers of 'we the people' adopt that mindset, we can get rid of our incumbant 'help themselves' polititians. Why not help us promote the concept instead of knocking it.

DRIP - Don't Re-elect incumbant polititians
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80) SB 6613 and what to do about it [by Anonymous Citizen on October 2, 2006]
It is not defeatist to talk to your legislators. I have letters from both of my representatives that state on the record to the head of the house of representatives that they think their previous vote for SB 6613 was a mistake. How far will your 1 "vote against the incumbants" go? Do you really think that most of the posters here have done work to reverse SB 6613? I am urging them *all* to do so. And if your legislator doesn't reverse their position, please don't vote for them.

You want to vote against all the incumbants - GREAT! Just recognize that right now, that is probably not enough to change the situation - people need to do more. You think Maria Prentice is going to lose here next election because she promoted this idiotic law? I don't think so. That is why we need to do more.

Summary: Vote against any incumbant who still supports SB 6613. Vote against anyone who is not working to repeal it. But do more than that - educate the legislators about the situation and do work to get our point of view across!
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81) Read first...write second [by Anonymous Citizen on October 5, 2006]
For starters, try reading what was actually written!

Please try spending at least as much time reading the post as you do in configuring your retort. It was never said that writing your representative(s) was defeatist. What *was* said is that your attitude on VOTING was defeatist. As to how far my one single, little itty bitty, teensy weensy vote will go…the answer is: not very far by itself. But does that mean I may as well not cast it? That casting my one lone vote is a waste? THAT is what is defeatist and that is why I was and am prompting and promoting *all* voters to cast votes for non-incumbents. (again…READ the post first)

Writing to representatives is a very good way to get your point across however; let’s be clear on what point we are making when writing. Polls of politicians indicate clearly that the majority of them have made up their minds on how they feel about bills, proposals, and initiatives and are rarely swayed by input from constituent writer’s insights, views and arguments no matter how justified or logical they may in relation to the ‘content’ of a bill, proposal, or initiative. Unless the promise of a vote or non-vote is implied or expressed, the opinion of the constituent is merely fodder. Indeed, most politicians readily admit that what does sway them is the granting or denial of support (in the form of VOTES), either implied or expressed by the writer in the letter. That is why a vast majority of writers clearly indicate in their letters what the result of the politicians’ stance or vote will be.

Summary: Write to any and all incumbents who still support SB 6613. Write to any and all legislators who consistently betray our trust and our wishes on any issue but in your writing clearly convey the promise of either a yes vote or a no vote based on what that representative does and then follow through with that vote. What ever you write be aware that it is the VOTE that is the bottom line; the line that strikes fear in every politicians’ heart.

The fact is: If Maria Prentice does not get enough votes and her opponent does, she will indeed lose this next election whether she promoted this idiocy or not and whether you think so or not.

DRIP - Don't Re-elect incumbent politicians

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82) Politicians support themselves not their constituents [by Anonymous Citizen on October 8, 2006]
Right on dude (or dudess)!

We the people have clearly lost control of our representatives. They no longer fear us or represent us. Just look at the ridiculous and scandalous travisties of justice we have had to stomach in the past years: Laws to regulate, restrict, and control the population and the freedoms we once enjoyed; They openly steal from our Social Security fund...OUR fund, and then say "Oh well"; Tax increases until well over 22% (and in many cases-much more)of our earned income "disappears" into government coffers and then they have the gall to ask for more; The government is meddling more and more into affairs they have no business or authority interferring in. They make laws that fly in the face of our constitution (like THIS one)and the moroms are so confident that we the people are helpless that they blatantly and openly defy the law of the land, use the courts to legislate and then laugh all the way to the polls knowing that because they are an incumbant, that they have the advantage of likely staying in office because many sheeple just blindly vote for the name they know most NOT what the name stands for or worse, because just like the previous post says: How far will your "One" vote go...people just give up and don't vote at all.

We are no longer citizens...we are SUBJECTS!

Keep up your crusade. We need to take back our government NOW...before it is too late.

D.R.I.P. D.R.I.P. D.R.I.P. !!!
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83) Vote Libertarian Before it is too late!! [by Anonymous Citizen on September 17, 2006]
Every day a little bit of our rights get voted away by people who do not care about you and I. They care about money and power as long as it comes to them. This country is going down the crapper!!! You should be able to move your own money around and spend it on whatever you want!! People can cause more harm by going to a bricks and mortar casino and getting drunk and driving home. This stuff makes me furious
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84) Get the ball rolling! [by Anonymous Citizen on September 18, 2006]
Go to the Washington State Smokers Alliance page, sign up and sign the petition. I can not give the url on this site, but you can find it. Also, start another petition on the gambling bill..all us freedon-lovers need to stick together!! ALL rights are going down the tube!
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85) Keep the ball rolling! [by Anonymous Citizen on September 20, 2006]
In addition - talk to all of your legislators! Talk to all of the candidates as well.

Convince them that SB 6613 needs fixing. Let them know that regulation is the answer, not banning the internet!


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86) Rolling and rolling! [by Anonymous Citizen on September 22, 2006]
Everyone...check out Bruce Guthrie, a Libertarian running for the U.S.Senate. Time for a change!!!!!
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87) Remember - No Incumbants! [by Anonymous Citizen on September 18, 2006]
Whatever party you pick just remember that it was the goons who are currently sitting in office on BOTH sides of the aisle who sold us ALL out in one or more of the major issues affecting the peoples rights and the sovereignty of this great state and nation.

These traitors need the boot; the same boot they used on our rights. We, the voters are just the ones to give it to them.

Send a clear message this November....NO INCUMBANTS!
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88) This sucks... [by Anonymous Citizen on September 9, 2006]
I can wrap my mind around the motivations for this bill, both good and bad ones (protecting people from offshore criminals vs. tribal casino special interests, for example), but ultimately what gets me down is the fact that I love to play poker, and I love to play it for money, but I don't have a whole lot of money (I'm a poor, poor college student). I've never gambled online, but the only place I've seen ridiculously low-stake games (thus ones I am comfortable buying into) is on the internet. Granted, it seems unlikely that the state will prosecute individual gamblers, but I balk at committing a felony, period. So now I'm basically screwed into throwing down 100 bucks at the local cardroom, or playing all-too-infrequently with the same group of friends in games that are still too high-stakes for my taste.

All I want to do is throw nickels and dimes around playing some Holdem, but I can't do that anywhere but online. This sucks...
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89) To the college felon [by Anonymous Citizen on September 15, 2006]
Maybe a couple years in a state prison being passed around by the older inmates would teach you something about the law. You are a despicable felon and Commi. Day is just waiting to subpoena some ISP and prosecute a few test cases.
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90) playing out of sate [by Anonymous Citizen on September 9, 2006]
What if I'm a washington resident but I only play when i'm out of state? And say when I win, I'll cash-out out of state. Is that still considered illegal?
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91) Remember Prohibition? [by Anonymous Citizen on August 30, 2006]
The answer to online POKER is not to ban it altogether, but rather regulate and tax it like every other reasonable country does. Last time we tried to ban something that was this popular, we ended up with a huge backlash with well-to-do, respected people going around the law to pursue their hobbies. It concerns me, as it whould all Americans, that we are digressing from as far as we have come. Please take a look at the facts before amending such a stupid bill. WAKE UP! Now if you will excuse me, I have to drive to the nearest indian casino and give them my money, which is what you want any way!
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92) Voting [by Anonymous Citizen on August 20, 2006]
I will DEFINITELY make note of the names of all that voted on this ridiculous issue! They will in no way shape or form get my vote EVER! They can also be sure that I will spread the word about them *wasting* time on this stupid law!
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93) WHAT GIVES???? [by jbeekley on August 16, 2006]
They claim that wagering on sports through the internet (or) phone is illegal, and is a "felony". But you may drive drunk while on drugs, kill a cop and get plea down to "up to" 1-year in jail...
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94) Endorsement [by Anonymous Citizen on August 18, 2006]
You endorsed a person named Charles Ross and I cannot find any info on him anywhere. Even at town hall they say,"He is the mayor." Soooo... I live in Naches and he has no affect on my life. He has no information and niether do you and so what if you ENDORSE him. Your name just went more south of where it already was for me and I will not vote for Charlie either.
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95) Talk to your legislators! [by Anonymous Citizen on August 14, 2006]
If you want the idiotic online gambling ban reversed, then meet with your legislators! I have already met with both of my reps, and will be meeting with my senator. If you talk calmly and rationally with them, they will realize that at the least, this law needs to be looked at again. At most, they might even agree with us that internet poker should be legalized and regulated exactly the same as brick and mortar poker.

Talk to your legislators! Call your legislators! Write your legislators!
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96) Wake up!! [by Anonymous Citizen on August 13, 2006]
Previous poster is right, if we don't start taking action..this country is lost! When we take away just one group of citizens rights, it is bound to lead to more! This is a Republic, not a Democracy, and we should all be heeding the Constitution of our founding fathers! All I hear on here is complaints about the gambling law..well, where were all of you when you voted for I-901, had your heads in a hole? Just because it didn't concern you..you voted for it, not even thinking of the results.Didn't even bother to check out if passive smoke was a real evil did you? Well, it isn't, and it's ALL beginning to come out! Check out the websites until you get the right ones. Maybe then you will begin to see you SHOULD have used your brains! Get rid of these lifestyle politicians we have in this state, registar as Independent or Libertarian, NEITHER big party is any good anymore! I USED to be a Democrat! But NO more! Heaven help us all if we don't take back our country!
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97) We all need to pay attention! [by Anonymous Citizen on August 12, 2006]
This is a perfect example of the collusion between a democratically controlled senate and the biased news media. I’d say this was definitely a news media event; but where was the news?? I don’t spend as much time as I’d like contacting my friends and informing them of the wool that is being pulled over their eyes but I am trying. It disgusts me that so many of us wander day to day ignorant to what is going on. IT MUST STOP!!!! E-mail your friends, create the links for them to information such as this web site and test them through conversation. We must show the legislators where the real power comes from or we will surely repeat the mistakes of the first half of the 20th century. I love this country, I care about it’s future and I want to make a difference. I am a registered Republican; that doesn’t mean I will vote along party lines. I force myself to learn about the individual and what he or she stands for. The new National Identity card due to be rolled out in May 2008 squeaked through the Republican controlled congress. It should have never made it out of committee.
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98) Tried to post on HR 419 thread but couldn't locate it [by Anonymous Citizen on August 13, 2006]
Now that you mention it I felt compelled to post this info. We all need to get PRO-ACTIVE on this one...Talk about scary…THIS is scary. Every Washington citizen and every other freedom loving citizen in every state and territory, MUST get pressure their state legislatures to firmly trump the National ID act and urge them to repeal it. I could go on and on but I could not say it better than this excerpt from a well know and respected national watchdog groups site.

-Begin Excerpt
George Orwell was the first to describe totalitarianism as a "boot stomping on the human face forever." But in Orwell's day Americans would have had a hard time believing that the law -- the good old, all-American legislature -- all those smiling senators and "representatives" would be the ones to plant their iron heels in our faces. Back in those innocent days, we imagined tyranny would come from outside.

Well, tyranny is here. And it's a gift from the very people we so trustingly put into office.

Tyranny is THE LAW.
Is this a way to run a country? Tacking something as onerous as national ID onto a must-pass bill and making it law without any debate? What does this say about people the gun owners consider their friends? In the House, where the bill containing the Real ID Act passed 368-58, only three Republicans voted against it.

In the Senate, not one person cared enough about freedom to vote against it -- or even to demand that senators discuss it.

(The Real ID Act originally passed the House in February as a standalone bill (H.R. 418) by a vote of 261-to-161. House leaders, realizing national ID would have been in trouble in the Senate, then added it to a must-pass military appropriations bill in a cynical ploy to make it almost impossible to fight national ID.)

Turning America into a full-fledged police state was just business as usual to your representatives. And, just as Adolf Hitler scrupulously followed German law while committing his horrors, so your "representatives" and the bureaucrats you face at the national-ID drivers license bureau will also be following the law -- the Real ID law that allows them to enslave you.

WHAT NEXT?
We have two choices now: Resist or submit.
More than 600 organizations, from the American Civil Liberties Union to the National Governors Association, opposed the bill. Even the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (which loves national ID and was largely responsible for an earlier attempt at such legislation nine years ago) criticized it.

We can expect lawsuits against national ID, including at least one suit led by state governments.

However, nearly all the opposition from state governments focuses on one area: They're upset because the federal government didn't offer them extra money to enslave us. If Congress bribes them with enough millions and billions, they'll gladly sell our freedom.

Ultimately, real resistance is up to us, as individuals. There are certain courses of action we cannot recommend. But every freedom lover should be pleased if all the people who had a hand in creating Real ID act lost their jobs -- soon. And those individuals who truly value their (and their children's) futures should seriously consider making national ID their line in the sand.
–End Excerpt

To this I will add - you can go to almost any legislative site that tracked this outrage to see the final role call on the vote so you can see how your own congressperson voted. Now is the time no only to fully support this Joint memorial but to give these jack booted thugs we call representatives the same boot they used on us.

It’s called your vote. Use it or loose it! November is coming quick!!!

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99) What?!? You banned the internet? [by Anonymous Citizen on August 8, 2006]
I just found out about this - I can't believe it!
We can play poker in casinos - but if we play poker online we are felons?!?!?!?!?!?!?
This makes absolutely no sense!!!
What kind of legislature do we have?????????
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100) RE: Mr. Day's comments? [by Anonymous Citizen on August 2, 2006]
I have been reading the notice from Mr. Day and also the question from a jbeekley about "horse racing". Yes he does state that wagering on horse racing i.e., emerald downs, etc. is cleary "illegal" and you are "felon" if you play horses either online or over the net.

This is after the our state of Washington "PASSED" a law that made it OK to wager on horse racing over "land-line" phone, internet and so on. So how can Washington have it "BOTH WAYS"? They have one law that say's yes you may play horse racing, and then Mr. Day say's no you may not!

Someone please get some sense out of this STUPID LAW!!!!
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101) Facts- Washington State Gambling Commission [by Anonymous Citizen on August 1, 2006]
Facts - Washington State Gambling Commission [by Rick Day, Director, Wash. State Gambling Comm. about 2006 Senate Bill 6613 (Banning internet gambling)]

So much has been written about the recent Internet gambling bill, I wanted to respond with some of the facts. Hopefully, these facts will help when you hear people talking about Internet gambling.

• Internet gambling currently is, and always has been, illegal under Washington law. Online gambling is also illegal under federal law.
• In response to the growth of illegal Internet gambling activities, the Legislature unmistakably clarified and strengthened Washington’s existing statutory prohibition against Internet gambling. The specific term “Internet” was added to the law and one of the possible penalties for its violation was increased, providing law enforcement with additional tools to pursue those profiting from or supporting illegal Internet gambling.
• Washington’s gambling statutes now provide a range of gross misdemeanor and felony penalties for Internet gambling violations, depending on the factual circumstances. The actual punishment for any felony conviction is controlled by the State’s sentencing guidelines. The standard range sentence that a court is authorized to impose on a “first offender,” absent aggravating circumstances is 0 – 90 days in jail for a violation of the recently amended statute.
• Talking about Internet gambling is not illegal. Although, radio, television and newspapers that publish “gambling information” (RCW 9.46.0245) are exempt from the new law, advertising for Internet gambling is generally illegal. In most instances, advertising would be a gross misdemeanor under the professional gambling statute (RCW 9.46.222).
• This legislation has also had the added benefit of increasing public awareness and our citizens are becoming better informed about the dangers and illegality of Internet gambling.
• Gambling on the Internet is risky. Those who gamble on the Internet have no idea who is operating the game, if the game is run honestly, if winnings will be paid, or if the money will be used to further criminal activity. Internet gambling also creates an uncontrolled opportunity for addicts and children to gamble.
• As for players, gambling on the Internet, whether playing poker, slots, horse racing or another gambling game, runs a risk of a felony conviction. However, there is not going to be an active campaign against regular players. If players’ names appear in an operator’s seized records, the Gambling Commission would likely send the player a warning letter, notifying them that betting online is a felony. If a player’s name reappears again, charges may be filed.
• Washington is part of a multi-state and federal task force that is pursuing education and awareness, as well as coordinated enforcement activities, in order to combat illegal Internet gambling.
• The Washington State Gambling Commission was created to keep the criminal element out of gambling and to protect the public. The recently enacted legislation supports the Commission’s efforts at fulfilling that responsibility.

Rick Day, Director
Washington State Gambling Commission
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102) Response to Day's Comments [by Anonymous Citizen on August 1, 2006]
Bullet comments from Rick Day, Washington State Gambling Commission.
Responses from Philip Hage, NetRightsAdvocates

• Internet gambling currently is, and always has been, illegal under Washington law. Online gambling is also illegal under federal law.

Czar Day ignores the fact that online gambling is NOT illegal for the gambler under either the Wire Act of 1961 or the recently U.S. House passed H.R. 4411. Only the operators can be prosecuted under federal law... Under Washington law the citizen gambler is a felon. Czar Day that is a difference!

• In response to the growth of illegal Internet gambling activities, the Legislature unmistakably clarified and strengthened Washington’s existing statutory prohibition against Internet gambling. The specific term “Internet” was added to the law and one of the possible penalties for its violation was increased, providing law enforcement with additional tools to pursue those profiting from or supporting illegal Internet gambling.

Okay.

• Washington’s gambling statutes now provide a range of gross misdemeanor and felony penalties for Internet gambling violations, depending on the factual circumstances. The actual punishment for any felony conviction is controlled by the State’s sentencing guidelines. The standard range sentence that a court is authorized to impose on a “first offender,” absent aggravating circumstances is 0 – 90 days in jail for a violation of the recently amended statute.

Czar Day ignores the fact that your life as you know it, is OVER after you have been convicted. They legislature raised the penalty to a felony from a misdemeanor for a reason. They could have left the penalty alone when they amended the coverage to Internet gambling.

• Talking about Internet gambling is not illegal. Although, radio, television and newspapers that publish “gambling information” (RCW 9.46.0245) are exempt from the new law, advertising for Internet gambling is generally illegal. In most instances, advertising would be a gross misdemeanor under the professional gambling statute (RCW 9.46.222).

Czar Day hates the Bill of Rights: “Talking about Internet gambling is not illegal.” I bet (whoops) he cringes when he says that. Read the ads in All-In Magazine on sale at any Washington book store or magazine store. How are those ads which cite the overseas websites’ URLs any different from Internet sites which provide the same information? University of Washington law Professor Stewart Jay (see Seattle Post-Intelligencer, “New state online gambling law raises doubts,” 26 June 2006): “when you discriminate between forms of speech and providers, the government has to provide a compelling reason.”

• This legislation has also had the added benefit of increasing public awareness and our citizens are becoming better informed about the dangers and illegality of Internet gambling.

The ads for the state lottery, card rooms, and tribal casinos cause significantly more damage.

• Gambling on the Internet is risky. Those who gamble on the Internet have no idea who is operating the game, if the game is run honestly, if winnings will be paid, or if the money will be used to further criminal activity. Internet gambling also creates an uncontrolled opportunity for addicts and children to gamble.

Czar Day is spouting total nonsense. Blogs report on problems and rank the sites. Try getting satisfaction from a brick-and-mortar problem from a tribal gambling commission. Hold onto your manes.

• As for players, gambling on the Internet, whether playing poker, slots, horse racing or another gambling game, runs a risk of a felony conviction. However, there is not going to be an active campaign against regular players. If players’ names appear in an operator’s seized records, the Gambling Commission would likely send the player a warning letter, notifying them that betting online is a felony. If a player’s name reappears again, charges may be filed.

The lesson here is never gamble on the Internet at a U.S. site. It is illegal and the site’s records can be confiscated.

Thomas Jefferson: “When the people fear the government there is tyranny.” That about sums up my reaction to Day’s explanation. There is tyranny in Washington State.
Don’t gamble on PartyPoker in your kitchen with your tax-paid entertainment dollars, while your kids watch TV in the next room. Instead, hire a babysitter, drive 30 miles to a tribal casino and plan waiting 30 minutes for a table that matches your table limit preferences, sit down with a bunch of sharks that are just waiting for you, then drive home 30 miles, pay the babysitter and kiss your sleeping kids.

• Washington is part of a multi-state and federal task force that is pursuing education and awareness, as well as coordinated enforcement activities, in order to combat illegal Internet gambling.

Okay, and good luck. The law is totally unenforceable. Laws that won’t be enforced, can’t be enforced, and shouldn’t be enforced should result in one thing: voting out the lawmakers and their enforcement stooges.

• The Washington State Gambling Commission was created to keep the criminal element out of gambling and to protect the public. The recently enacted legislation supports the Commission’s efforts at fulfilling that responsibility.

It tyrannizes the citizens of the State of Washington.

Thomas Jefferson: “When the people fear the government there is tyranny.”

Bullet comments from:
Rick Day, Director
Washington State Gambling Commission

responses from:
Philip Hage
NetRightsAdvocates
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103) Um... [by goitalone on July 31, 2006]
SO whats the deal? Its illegal to own and operate a Casino Affilate site in the U.S.?

I just started one 3 weeks ago and now I after all I have been reading I..well I just need some answers..I thought it went by state


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104) PLEASE HELP?! [by jbeekley on July 31, 2006]
Hello, I have a question that I need an answer to. I see a comment at the bottom that claims this bill also has to do with horse racing as well. Is this true? They passed a law earlier in the year that was ok to wager on horse racing thrugh the use of a "TVG" account. But now this new bill claims that no sport may be bet on, along with no money going into your account over the phone lines, internet, etc.

I am confused!! One bill states that is was ok to wager on the ponies, while this new law states that no sports wagering may be done online. Please let me know what is right?

Thanks, John Beekley
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105) I need to know.. [by goitalone on July 31, 2006]
Hey is it illegal to have an affiliate casino portal site or not?
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106) New law [by Anonymous Citizen on July 31, 2006]
I wish they had spent more time consulting the people before passing this law. I'm just not sure it makes sense.

The bill didn't get much, if any, media attention during session.
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107) Good point [by Anonymous Citizen on July 31, 2006]
That's a good point--I wonder if lawmakers really spent time thinking about the long-term consequences of the bill. Only now, after Session, do we hear about it.
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108) RE: Gambling Ban [by jbeekley on July 27, 2006]
They should find more "ideal" thinsg to do with their time then this crazy law!! I have been gambling for over 25 years and have made a living from it for the past ten as a "Professional" in sports wagering. One thing about this law is that they claim that they are trying to "protect" kids from getting to online gambling, but they should be "protecting" all kids from "molesters" and things such as that!!

A "Felony" to place a wager on an "off-shore" book is STUPID!! We should be able to "Police" ourselves with what we WANT TO DO WITH OUR CASH, NOT THE STATE OF WASHINGTON!! I know one person whom is very happy and that is a guy I know who is a "local bookie". He has been raking in the cash as now all of these "bookies" are getting all of the "action" once again. Now you tell me, what is safer? Having the abaility to wager online where you MUST HAVE THE FUNDS IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO PLACE ANY WAGER, or RUNNING UP A TAB WITH A LOCAL BOOKIE THAT IF YOU DO NOT PAY BREAKS BOTH YOUR LEGS???...
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109) Internet Gambling [by Anonymous Citizen on July 26, 2006]
Join the Poker Player's Alliance to help fight the national legislation which has made it's way to the Senate and waiting for a vote by more ignorant law makers. If this passes it will be PROHIBITION all over again. They better build plenty of prisons to house all of us felonous poker players.
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110) internet gambling ban [by Anonymous Citizen on July 26, 2006]
We the citizens of Washington State demand that the internet gambling law be rescinded. The legislators have made a very bad judgment call and criminalized thousands of innocent tax paying citizens for no reason. We demand immediate action on this.
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111) Help Please? [by goitalone on July 31, 2006]
I need to know if running an internet casino and sports book links portal is ilegal in the states...I am confused..I just started one up and need to know if I should take the site down or not
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112) internet gambling [by Anonymous Citizen on July 25, 2006]
I will definitely NOT vote for any rep. or senator that voted this bill in. I am a tournament poker player and I practice on-line. This is PROHIBITION. Stop the other tournaments too. No more golf,chess,backgammon Tournaments either. Big Brother trying to tell me what I should do and what I should Like To Do. POKER makes ME HAPPY.
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113) The audacity of the "Online gambling ban" [by Anonymous Citizen on July 25, 2006]
I can't believe our legislators:

A) Believe that they can restrict citizen's Internet usage.

B) Think that doing so is a good idea.


What is going on here? What is Senator Prentice and the majority of our legislators thinking???
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114) FANTASY FOOTBALL IS ILLEGAL IN WASHINGTON STATE [by Anonymous Citizen on July 20, 2006]
those of you planning to play fantasy football in washington state better think again. Its a class c felony. You can play the state lottery though with impunity.
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115) Luke Esser Fantasy Football Index [by Anonymous Citizen on July 25, 2006]
How ironic that Luke "The Truth" Esser voted in favor of this bill in light of the fact that for years he was a columnist for Fantasy Football Index magazine.
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116) To be clear about the moronic internet gambling law [by Anonymous Citizen on July 20, 2006]
Fantasy football is only a felony if you pay money to play and could win money; and if you do it over the internet.

If you don't pay money, or don't have a chance to win money, or if you don't do it over the internet, you are not a felon.

Same is true of fantasy baseball and all other rotisserie type games.

Makes perfect sense, doesn't it. :-)


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117) Washington Law vs HR4411 [by Anonymous Citizen on July 22, 2006]
The House passed Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act differs from Washington State's law in several ways, but specifically, TWO. ONE, the players are NOT criminalized. TWO, fantasy sports gaming, not gambling, is specifically carved out. There are other differences. Your legislators were too lazy to put together a rationale law and too compromised by their dealings with the tribes and the state's
lottery dependence to balance citizen's privacy and net rights with reason.
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118) stupid legislator [by Anonymous Citizen on July 15, 2006]
why not ban ebay/ online shopping? the money there could be going towards drugs too... the legislator's reasoning to establish this law is flawed. yes there are no advantages to keeping online gambling around, but to what point and purpose is there to ban it? people who have addiction problems and are going to blow their money at a normal casino anyways. the state is not "saving" anyone here(little kids/adults), just pissing alot of people off. their main reason imo for banning online gambling is the money. the state probably figures they are losing too much money to online gambling and are trying to make it so the citizens will go to "taxable" casinos in state.
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119) How is the "Internet Gambling Ban" going to be enforced? [by Anonymous Citizen on July 14, 2006]
Is the government going to be monitoring its citizen's website visits?

What is this, Communinst China or the United States of America?????!!!????
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120) ISPs Weak Link [by Anonymous Citizen on July 15, 2006]
Net Rights Advocates published a printed report that detailed the debate over data-retention periods for various ISPs. As part of the campaign against child porn, House Energy and Commerce Committee is threatening initiating legislation to require ISPs to retain their customers web-site histories for longer periods--up to one year. Basically, there are two records of your Internet visits: the one that you can schedule to delete (its still there, though, unless scrubbed) on a periodic basis on YOUR COMPUTER and the one your ISP keeps for resolving billing disputes. Without legislation, the retention periods are not uniform--AOL, 60days, Earthlink, 6 months, and Comcast 31 days going to 180 days on 9/1/2006. Guess what, nine months from now, a subpoena can uncover your feloneous gambling activity no matter how deligent you are with your deletion/scubbing of internet history on your home computer. Nervous yet? Net Rights Advocates' report suggested various technological solutions.
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121) ISPs Weak Link [by Anonymous Citizen on July 15, 2006]
Net Rights Advocates published a printed report that detailed the debate over data-retention periods for various ISPs. As part of the campaign against child porn, House Energy and Commerce Committee is threatening initiating legislation to require ISPs to retain their customers web-site histories for longer periods--up to one year. Basically, there are two records of your Internet visits: the one that you can schedule to delete (its still there, though, unless scrubbed) on a periodic basis on YOUR COMPUTER and the one your ISP keeps for resolving billing disputes. Without legislation, the retention periods are not uniform--AOL, 60days, Earthlink, 6 months, and Comcast 31 days going to 180 days on 9/1/2006. Guess what, nine months from now, a subpoena can uncover your feloneous gambling activity no matter how deligent you are with your deletion/scubbing of internet history on your home computer. Nervous yet? Net Rights Advocates' report suggested various technological solutions.
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122) Stii Playing [by Anonymous Citizen on July 14, 2006]
Day, I am still playing on-line. Come and get me, you jack-booted thug. My address is on the first line.

Jimmy D.
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123) So let me get this straight? [by Anonymous Citizen on July 10, 2006]
So in this state I can go to any 7-Eleven, buy a state sponsored lottery or scratch ticket, and should I win I could take the money and pay to have my girlfried get a legal abortion. That's all fine and dandy, but if I go on-line and play a $5 poker tournament one day a week then I could be convicted of a felony and serve prison time.

Does this make even the least bit of sense to anybody? Negligent driving is not even a criminal offense in Washington, but someone driving negligently could easily injure or kill another motorist or pedestrian and yet that offense is fine only. Seems to me that the consequences of on-line gaming carries an unwarranted amount of punishment.
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124) Senate Bill 6613 (Banning internet gambling) [by Anonymous Citizen on July 10, 2006]
After emailing most of the state legislators regarding Senate Bill 6613 (Banning internet gambling) it appears that the bill was represented to them as an inconsequential technical change that clarified existing law. That’s why the bill was passed without any public input or debate. Most seemed surprised by the public reaction and at many would vote differently if they had it to do it over again. Almost all of the responses contained a statement that they believed it was already a felony under federal law with a reference to the federal wire act. In my opinion they were misinformed about the wire act.

If we keep writing and letting them know how we feel maybe the law will get changed. This site presents a good argument on its own as most of the messages are against the gambling bill. A good link to include in your messages is to the 100 latest comments http://www.washingtonvotes.org/RecentComments.aspx.
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125) Most legislators didn't know about SB 6613 when they voted on it [by Anonymous Citizen on July 10, 2006]
This is similar feedback to what I heard when I met with one of my legislators.

Please, *everyone*, meet with your representatives (you have 2) and your senator and tell them about this law. Ask them why poker should be legal in casinos and cardrooms, and a felony online. They *will not* be able to easily explain it. Their only reasonable reactions would be 'protect the children' and 'what about the addicted gamblers'. In response, you should say that regulating will certainly help these concerns, and besides, banning it for everyone is not the correct answer to these problems.
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126) Minors and Problem Gamblers [by Anonymous Citizen on July 11, 2006]
You need one of two items to gamble online: a credit account coupled to an offshore payment system (Netteller) or a checking account. If minors have either a Parent/Guardian should closely, very closely, be supervising and verifying their use. This is not a federal, or a state issue requiring a legislative solution but a parental issue requiring "parenting."

The AGA, American Gaming Association, points out that only about 1% of gamblers are problem gamblers. Well, online sites DO NOT EXTEND CREDIT on site, have home page accessible deposit restriction systems, and most often have substantial delays in moving money into accounts. Most US major credit cards and PayPal block credit directly to gambling sites. The AGA profile of Interent gamblers suggests that a higher proportion of iGamblers are single, in their 20's-30's (younger) and have less time that the serious casino gambler. These people don't generally create family problems. Look for a "play money" game or "low-limit" table at a brick-and-mortar--doesn't exist. On-line gambling is NOT the glamorous life portrayed in casino and lottery ads. Its about playing in the kitchen, sitting out to help a child with his homework or playing while the kids sleep. Its about switching to a play game when you get tired.
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127) UMM. NAA [by Anonymous Citizen on July 9, 2006]
I thought maybe this new gambeling law was to prevent miners access to gambeling until I walked in to safeway yesterday realaised that any miner allready has access to gambeling vea State Sratch Ticket Machines you put money in. UMM. NAA.
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128) Poker in Casino = Legal but Poker online = Felony?!?!?!?!? [by Anonymous Citizen on July 7, 2006]
That defies logic!
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129) Quite simple, actually [by Anonymous Citizen on July 7, 2006]
No, it's really quite simple. Poker played at Indian casinos = money poured into tribal coffers. That's ok because they're a special class of people and every white man who lives today is somehow responsible for their historical plight--therefore they are deserving of special legal rights. Poker played online = money going anyhwere but tribal coffers, and that's bad.
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130) Freedom? Not on Senator Prentice's watch! [by Anonymous Citizen on July 5, 2006]
Just finished celebrating our nation's freedoms yesterday. Then I went home and *couldn't* log on and play a little poker - because WA lawmakers only believe in 'freedom' in certain specific ways.
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131) Can anyone defend why we *should* ban internet gambling? [by Anonymous Citizen on July 3, 2006]
The only arguments I hear apply equally well to all the other legal forms of gambling in Washington State.

If gambling is good for our state if properly regulated for lotteries, horse racing, cardrooms and casinos, why not apply that to internet gambling as well? Especially since many of the same activites (i.e. a poker tournament) do not differ at all from casinos to online websites. I just don't understand what the difference is. To me it is like saying Barnes and Nobles and Borders are fine, but Amazon.com is evil. It makes no sense!!!!!!
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132) Creating Racial unfairness [by Anonymous Citizen on July 3, 2006]
Why I must ask you fellow statesmen is a certan race of people left untouched to capatlize on ileagel activeitys. Do you really think this can work from now until this time foword. At what point in time can we all come to a agreement on this most highly racial issue. I truely do beleive if left untouched for any amount of time longer the racial unfairness will fester. I personaly liket Washington better before gambeling was aloud; meaning mainly that when the lottery was aloud years ago was when it all started. The past can not be changed however the future can be. What is fair for one must be fair for all in my and your county. This is essential to are future. Comenting on the new feleny gambeling law . I Dont know what choice there can be when it comes to controlling miner children. Steve July 2006
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133) Use spell check [by Anonymous Citizen on July 11, 2006]
I stopped counting the spelling errors in your posting.
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134) ONLINE SLOTS [by Anonymous Citizen on July 2, 2006]
I Have been in Indian casinos and bingo halls and played progressive slots. I am not sure but these must be online becouse they are all linked together across the USA. And then I read that all online gambeling is ileagel in America for all. Please give us some insight on this so as not to make so many more crimanels out of good people such as you and I. Correct me if I am wrong please. Washington resident 38 proud years so lets do what we all can to keep it that way.
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135) Tribal slot machines appear to violate June 7th law [by Anonymous Citizen on July 3, 2006]
If you are correct, the Tribal progressive slot machines would violate the new Washingon State law. Perhaps, some lawyer can respond?
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136) Day's Jack-Booted Goons [by Anonymous Citizen on July 1, 2006]
Day has a compulsion for ripping up the Bill of Rights. He has a staff of jack-booted investigators and thugs working for him:

He has sent commission agents into the homes of several state gamblers to threaten them. (Sam Skolnik, "Time for gamblers to fold," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 27, 2006)

He is trying to hire additional "investigators," likely having the computer skills necessary to aid prosecution. Perhaps someone can check on his hiring ads.

His goons have tried to silence free speech by closing at least one web-site, IntergrityCasinoGuide, a Bellingham enterprise which attempted to provide consumer information on the integrity of iGambling sites. Reference: Danny Westneat, "This column may be illegal," The Seatttle Times, June 15, 2006. University of Washington law professor Stewart Jay wonders "how ordinary citizens can be prosecuted for transmitting or receiving gambling information, as the law words it, while newspapres and television stations are exempt. Reference: Bylthe Lawrence and Tracy Johnson, "New state onlone gambling law raises doubts," Seattle Post-Intelligencer,26 June 2006.

His goons have threatened The Seattle Times because they publish a nationally syndicated column by famed gambler Daniel Negreanu, "Card Shark." Same Seattle Times reference above.

His office is looking at forcing Barnes and Nobles to pull "Winning at Internet Poker for Dummies," and gambling magazines like "All In," and from its shelves.

He has threatened the media (radio, television and newspapers) right here in Washington Votes with a gross misdemeanor for providing "gambling information." Whatever that means. Advertising would also be a gross misdemeanor.

He has indicated that he would apply the new law inconsistently. Some people would get 0-90 days others would get five years.

All of our rights are being taken away for the benefit of the tribes, the state lottery, the horse race tracks and the card clubs by a bunch of corrupt politicians.
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137) How will they know if i'm using neteller [by Anonymous Citizen on June 28, 2006]
They say that online gambling is illegal and that banks will be able to stop any transfers that i will do to casino sites. But what if i used a third party payment provider like neteller? Would they still be able to stop me from using my money???????????
We pay our taxes. We give our dues. Where we want to spend our money is our own private concern. What right does the government have to tell me where to spend MY money??????????????????????????????????????
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138) Netteller is Opaque to the Thugs [by Anonymous Citizen on June 29, 2006]
Once the money leaves your checking account for Neteller or FirePay you, Neteller and your iGambling site are the only ones who know what happened. From your banks' perspective, Neteller is another established financial party. With a London market capitalization of US$1.2B and 3,400 merchant relationships and 2.5 million customers and US$7.3B (2005) in transaction flow it is significant company. It is headquartered on the Isle of Man, just off the coast of the UK
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139) My Letter to Ms. Prentice (no response as expected) [by Anonymous Citizen on June 28, 2006]
Ms. Prentice:

As a frequent online poker player I am severely disappointed in the Washington state’s legislators decision to classify online poker as a class C felony. Let me make sure I understand you position, you're telling me that if I play in a $3 sit-and-go tournament, that I’m committing a crime equal in severity to child molestation? That is absolutely ridiculous.

It’s a real shame that a few well-placed lobbyists can so greatly influence the lawmakers in our state (and our country for that matter). It's clear to me by your list of supporters (WA INDIAN GAMING ASSN, NISQUALLY INDIAN TRIBE, MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE, CHIPS CASINO LLC, CONF TRIBES OF COLVILLE RESERVATION, GOLDIE'S SHORELINE CASINO, ETC.), that these lobbyists are contributing campaign funds in exchange for having their agenda pushed through the legislative process. Seems like anyone with a little bit of money nowadays can have their very own law passed with little to no resistance from our legislators (as evidenced by the 44 to 0 vote in the Senate). These casino lobbyists want us to patronize their businesses instead of playing online. Great, I don’t have a problem with that, as long as they can offer me a comparable product. But, the reality of the situation is that they can’t and I'll detail why that is the case.

I have played at most of the card rooms/casinos in the Puget Sound area and, frankly, I prefer the online experience to the live one. Here’s an example of why I feel that way: I was at Diamond Lil’s Card Room about a week ago and walked outside to take a break between sessions. Two of the casino employees were also outside (taking a smoke break) and during the five or so minutes I was there, I had to listen to an onslaught of profanity spew from their mouths while they chatted about everything from their job, to girlfriends, to where they were going to drink that night. Not that I’m a prude or anything, but I needed some peace and quiet and all I got was the “F” word every 10 or 15 seconds. That shows me that they have an incredible lack of respect for their customers, the very people who pay their salary.

Surprising as it may seem, I returned a couple of weeks later to play in a Sunday tournament and sat at the front counter for five minutes waiting for the host to acknowledge my presence, with no success. He looked everywhere but at me and my $45 entry fee. I left, and I promise you I will never return to that casino.

Additionally, I have found the dealers and managers at most of the Puget Sound casinos to be unfriendly, condescending, rude, and at times hostile. I rarely feel welcome when entering a casino or sitting down at a table to play, unlike playing in Las Vegas where I am made to feel welcome, appreciated, and comfortable. And don't even get me started about the quality of players at the local casinos. I’ve seen arguments, fights, and players acting like spoiled brats, most of which frequently gets “overlooked” by casino management.

During a recent visit to the Tulalip Casino, I sat for over two hours waiting to be seated at a limit hold’em table while four dealers sat in the corner chatting. Over two hours mind you. I can’t think of another industry where break times are allowed to last that long (or where customers can be treated that way and still be expected (or legally required as far as you're concerned) to come back)). Where was the Tulapip management’s (your campaign supporters) concern for its players in that situation? That doesn’t speak well for the Tulalip’s level of customer service or for your choice of campaign supporters.

Here’s another one: Just this last weekend, I walked into the Roman Casino in Renton and noticed that the poker table dealer was sitting, leaning back in his chair, with his feet propped up on the felt of the empty poker table. That presents quite a professional image to patrons doesn’t it? It's no wonder that table was empty. I turned around and walked out and you can bet that I will not return to that casino whether you require me to or not.

The bottom line here is that you are telling me that if I want to play in a poker tournament or in a ring game that I cannot play on the internet and must, instead, play in these inhospitable environments that I described above. I’m sorry, but that’s just wrong. Why would I possibly want to do that when I can play in the peace and quiet of my own home with no distractions or hostility? I'm not harming myself or anyone else. I'm not stealing or causing a disruption of any kind. I’m not using a controlled substance. I’m just playing poker, for God's sake lady. If someone at my table becomes annoying, I can just turn off the player chat and focus on my game without interruptions. If I want to take a break, I can just “sit-out” and relax for a few minutes. I don’t have to wait two hours for a table, I can usually sit down immediately, or at a time that's convenient for me. I don’t have to put up with rude or unprofessional attitudes from dealers and managers. And, most importantly, I can utilize software math tools to help improve my game when playing online. That is something that brick and mortar casinos just can