The following is copied and pasted from an email I received from The Poker Player’s Alliance. Get ready kids, it’s going to get worse. Take action now – before it’s too late – in your state and the U.S.
*begin email*
New Law to Take Effect June 7
While most attention in the debate over online gambling has centered on Capitol Hill, the state of Washington has stepped to the forefront of the Internet gaming issue. Unbeknownst to many Americans, the Evergreen State adopted an outright ban of online poker, stiffening penalties for those who wager on hands over the Internet.
How did this happen without a huge controversy splashed over all the nation’s newspapers? Unfortunately, sponsors of the legislation moved their legislation quickly and quietly with few noticing it until Gov. Christine Gregoire signed it into law.
In January, Washington state Sen. Margarita Prentice introduced legislation “reaffirming and clarifying the prohibition against Internet and certain other interactive electronic or mechanical devises to engage in gambling.” Just a few weeks later, the bill was approved by the state Senate and moved into the Washington House where it was amended to increase the punishment for engaging in online wagering — up from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C felony. Such a level of a crime is punishable with up to 10 years in prison, the same amount of jail time reserved for sex offenders who fail to register with the state.
After gaining approval in the state House, the bill was on the fast track to the governor’s office. The new law will take effect on June 7. Overturning the law is possible — such a move would require “super majorities” of both state bodies — but it’s highly unlikely.
The Poker Players Alliance believes that Washington state politicians should NOT have the last laugh on this issue. Little debate took place on this legislation. The media didn’t publicize it. The public was unaware. As a result, politicians were free to cast their ballots without guidance from the views of their constituents.
*end email*
About Linda R. Geenen
The easiest way to begin is to start at the beginning. But where is that? At what point does one suddenly decide they are going to spend the rest of their life involved in the intricate art of the dance? What is the art of the dance? A game about people - played with a deck of cards. Poker!
I stepped into the poker world in 1980 in Missoula, Montana. I didn’t know anything about poker, couldn’t tell you what the difference was between a bet and raise, or if a straight beat a flush. I had three boys to feed, needed a job and a dealing spot was open in one of the local bars. I played my first hand of poker in a 5 Card Stud game (with the help of one of my bosses) and that was it – I was hooked.
I lived, breathed, slept, dreamed, ate, and talked poker. I eventually ran my own games (licensed by the County) in several different bars in Missoula, and at one point, managed the games in the bar where I started my first dealing job.
In 1987 I traveled from Montana to Nevada to deal major poker tournaments, returning to Montana at the end of each one.
In 1989, I opened The Mirage – along with 6,400 other people.
In 1993, I moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, and opened Grand Casinos Poker Room, returning a year later to Las Vegas and The Mirage.
In 1998 I opened Bellagio - along with over 9,000 other employees.
In 2003, I dealt the final table of the Aruba Ultimate Bet Poker Classic event. Hey…I’m on TV!
I had the privilege of being chosen as the dealer in the Howard Lederer videos that have been released on No Limit Holdem.
I play poker on a regular basis and I deal to every name brand player that is still above ground and breathing air, the elite, the freaks, the ne’er do wells, the rich, the poor, the illiterate, the educated, the beautiful, the ugly, the superstitious, the rational, the sane, and the insane. Perhaps I am the one that is insane but if I am, I fit right into the game plan.
Five nights a week I walk into the greatest, social melting pot known to mankind. I no longer dream about it but the art of the dance is prevalent in everything I do - see you there!
