Washington appeals court says no to online poker

Another attempt to make internet poker legal for players in Washington state has failed.

On Monday, Renton lawyer, Lee Rousso made a plea to a state appeals court over a 2006 law to forbids internet gambling in Washington. He argued that the law violates the clause in the Constitution that gives the federal govenment the right to regulate interstate commerce.


This comes after last May's ruling against Rousso by a King County Superior Court judge as 70 online poker players rallied outside the courthouse.



The unanimous decision by three judges of division I of the appeals court says that Rousso would have to show that policing Internet poker imposes excessive burdens and not worth the state's commitment to regulating gaming.

"Ultimately, given the importance of the state's interest in protecting its citizens from the ills associated with gambling, and the relatively small cost imposed on out-of-state businesses by complying...Rousso has failed to meet his burden...."

Rousso said appeals court rejected many of the state's arguments in the case, so he is leaning in favor of taking the case to the state Supreme Court.

When a King County Superior Court judge ruled against Rousso in May, about 70 poker enthusiasts rallied outside the courthouse. Some said they enjoyed playing online poker in their homes and saw no harm from it.

Rousso said he knows of no prosecutions under the law in the state.

News Added: 25 March, 2009

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