Is this fucking America?

[PShabi]

Online Gambling Not Only Illegal, Now Also Unmentionable

Apparently, the state of Washington doesn't feel that classifying online gamblers as felons is draconian enough, as it's now looking to crack down on internet speech as well. The first victim of the new law is not charged with gambling itself, but of maintaining a website that discussed, reviewed and linked to online gambling sites. So far he has received only a cease and desist and a warning that criminal charges may follow. What's interesting and telling about enforcement of the law is that the Seattle Times columnist (linked-to above) had no problem with the law until he realized it could be applied to speech as well. But the state's actions shouldn't really be much of a surprise, considering the broad trend of various governments looking to limit the right to link as well as advertise objectionable activity, such as gambling. Clearly, the more government regulates online activity, the more derivative activity, such as writing or linking, will be under threat.

[2Tone]

There are a thousand things I love about living here in Seattle. We have a great standard of living, stunning natural beauty, no state income tax, one of the best music/culture scenes in the country, two daily newspaper, cheaper real estate than some places, and a decent climate.

Plus, I have three seperate card rooms within five minutes of my office.

But as a Washingtonian, this is all hitting very close to home. I'm angry and bitterly disappointed in my state government.

The column from my local paper is here

[PShabi]

How does this statement make any sense:

"Writing about online gambling in a way that seems promotional can earn a cease-and-desist order, and potentially, a criminal charge."

When magazine has been published for years?

[eejit101]

fuck america.

Studio, you lose our battle on this thread alone

[studiopet]

Not a chance. This is a State issue (you know, the things that made up the Union that whipped your ass). I think what you wanted to say was "fuck Washington". Don't worry though - I don't think the Washingtonians will let this fly very long.

BTW - how does the arse of your queen taste?

I guess its a good thing you don't have a King running things there because you wouldn't be an a55 kisser then..........you'd be a....well.....I think we all know.

*Cheers*

[PShabi]

Seriously, don't go there. 6 bars.

It's like talking about moms when you're a kid. You could get pissed off at your mom, and be bad mouthing her, even say she's a "bitch." However, if one of your buddies says something bad about her, he's getting popped in the lip.

[Talking Poker]

What a bunch of bullshit. This very obviously could affect me/us at some point in the not too distant future.

I joined the earlier today, and I recommend you do the same.

[eejit101]

oh come on, dont take offence here.


I live in the best country in the world for online poker. I dont pay tax on winnings, i dont pay fees, i dont have to worry about government passing bills or whatever. All im saying, is whoever decided this was a good idea from your country, whether it be bush, washington officials, whoever serves pepsi at the nearest Macdonalds..... needs shooting.


The whole king/queen thing, i couldnt give a toss on who runs this country, we all know royalty in this country does nothing, ever. They are just an icon for the people who cant afford to have a real icon.

[bigjohnstud2o]

Leave the weed alone!

[Govman6767]

Living in WA state would be heaven if not for the bitch gov. they have in there now she bought her way into office with a million dollar donation by some unknown democratic organization it REALLY IS a joke.

Oh well I'm still in Iraq no laws yet over here.
I just wish every time a mortar round went off near my room our lady mayor of WA state was under it.

On a brighter note Some of the GI's over here play some really GOOOOOOOFY
dealer's choice games I mean some real off the wall stuff for real cheap stakes nickel dime stuff. It's actually nice playing goofy wild card games for nickel dime stuff makes me remember when I had fun playing playing poker.

[Tony Cheval]

Awesome, there goes their constitutionality, not to mention they just made this bill worth fighting to a LOT more people than just 'those bad online gamblers'.

GG, Washington.

[Spuddy]

Time to Move to Canada......


I charge cheap rent.....