The state of Washington has a new law that makes gambling online a Class C Felony. Those who gamble online will now be charged with the same crime as someone who possesses child pornography. Live in Washington and like to play poker? Doing so is now a crime that will land you in jail for up to 5 years. You can also be fined $10,000. Washington is setting a new precedence in the legal arena.
For years the federal government of the United States has tried to pass specific legislation to revise the Federal Wire Wagering Act. The most recent attempt is expected to pass the house, but it will most likely fail in the Senate. Washington State legislators decided to take matters into their own hands by passing this new law. Since there is no contradictory federal law, the Washington State law will face clear sailing.
The legislation does more than ban online gambling. It also bans talking about online gamblingquite the communist move by legislators. The legislation specifically outlaws the passing of any gambling information. Furthermore, gambling information is defined as: information as to wagers, betting odds and changes in betting odds shall be presumed to be...