Washington Supreme Court Again Rules Against Internet Gambling

Posted: September 25, 2010

Updated: October 4, 2017

The Washington Supreme Court has spoken against fully legalizing Internet gambling – and they have spoken unanimously: A Thursday ruling stated that Washington

The Washington Supreme Court has spoken against fully legalizing Internet gambling – and they have spoken unanimously: A Thursday ruling stated that Washington state’s ban on online gambling is constitutional.

The prevailing American gambling law, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (or UIGEA), makes the processing of transactions involving any internet sportsbook, poker or online casino in the United States illegal. However, attorney Lee Rousso sought to argue against the ban by citing the Constitution’s commerce clause and by claiming unfair competition practices.

In the legal opinion of justice Richard B. Sanders, Washington state legislature had “balanced public policy concerns and determined the interests of Washington are best served by banning Internet gambling.”

Sanders also noted that the decision represents support for the state legislature’s right to ban online gambling and not necessarily the court’s endorsement of the decision: “Many may disagree with the outcome. But the court has no authority to replace the Legislature’s choice with its own.”

Naturally, lobby group the Poker Players Alliance was among those who strongly disagreed with the court. Rousso offered a statement after the decision through the PPA stating in part that “Poker players in this state need to make their voices heard. Now more than ever we need to rally together to fight this outrageous law. I hope the poker community will stand with me as I appeal this decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

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