Post by Admin on Jul 16, 2013 14:36:02 GMT -8
Despite a ban in the State of Washington that makes felons out of even penny-ante internet poker players, the game still exists and is played by those willing to take the risks. And those risks are steep. Not only the ever present threat of a felony charge and potential prison sentence that comes with it, but also the very real possibility of an internet poker site shutting down and disappearing with the players' money is always looming large.
We feel strongly that consenting adults should be free to play an internet game, even one involving the exchange of money, from the privacy of their own computers and mobile devices, and to do so not under threat from our government, but instead with consumer protections in place.
Further, there currently are no measures in place that would prevent under age players from accessing sites currently offering games, nor are they any means to identify players with gambling problems and provide them with help in dealing with potential gambling addictions. These are the results of enacting an outright ban without taking into consideration the will of the people, or the consequences of such action.
By proposing Initiative 582, we seek to have the State Legislature reexamine the issue, and to focus on regulation and licensing of internet poker operators. It is our contention that this is a far better means of dealing with not only the consumer protections that the players desperately seek, but also as a more effective means of dealing with perceived social woes like problem and under age gambling. I-582 can serve as an example of the changes in State law we seek.
This would not be an expansion of gambling in the State of Washington. Rather, it is a means to bring current underground activity into the light of day, where it can be regulated properly, and where the money remains in State of Washington rather than going to offshore entities. It contains statutory requirements that will serve the consumer and protect the individuals in ways that are currently not available.
We ask everyone to read the full text of Initiative 582 and to support our efforts to bring regulation to the internet poker market in the State of Washington.
Full text of I-582 - - www.scribd.com/doc/160051303/I-582-2013
We feel strongly that consenting adults should be free to play an internet game, even one involving the exchange of money, from the privacy of their own computers and mobile devices, and to do so not under threat from our government, but instead with consumer protections in place.
Further, there currently are no measures in place that would prevent under age players from accessing sites currently offering games, nor are they any means to identify players with gambling problems and provide them with help in dealing with potential gambling addictions. These are the results of enacting an outright ban without taking into consideration the will of the people, or the consequences of such action.
By proposing Initiative 582, we seek to have the State Legislature reexamine the issue, and to focus on regulation and licensing of internet poker operators. It is our contention that this is a far better means of dealing with not only the consumer protections that the players desperately seek, but also as a more effective means of dealing with perceived social woes like problem and under age gambling. I-582 can serve as an example of the changes in State law we seek.
This would not be an expansion of gambling in the State of Washington. Rather, it is a means to bring current underground activity into the light of day, where it can be regulated properly, and where the money remains in State of Washington rather than going to offshore entities. It contains statutory requirements that will serve the consumer and protect the individuals in ways that are currently not available.
We ask everyone to read the full text of Initiative 582 and to support our efforts to bring regulation to the internet poker market in the State of Washington.
Full text of I-582 - - www.scribd.com/doc/160051303/I-582-2013