Press Release: Wash. St. 10th Dist. Rep Introduces Bill to Erase Felony Status for Online Gambling

Jan. 23 -- Rep. Chris Strow, R-Whidbey Island, today announced his legislation, House Bill 1243, to quash the felony charge language in last year’s legislation addressing in-home internet gambling. “My goal with this legislation is to correct an element from last year’s online gambling bill, Senate Bill 6613, that made it a Class C Felony to gamble recreationally in one’s own home if it is done online,” said Strow.

“While I do see the need for protecting our citizens from online gaming that may be scamming innocent victims, I do think that there is also a level of accountability, as an adult, to do as he or she chooses in his or her own home,” said Strow. “Most certainly choosing to gamble, or play a game of skill such as poker, should not have been made a crime equivalent to possessing child pornography or threatening the Governor.”

House Bill 1243 is awaiting a hearing in the House Commerce and Labor Committee.

“While I have requested a hearing on the bill, people need to call and write the chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, Representative Steve Conway, and ask him to schedule a hearing for House Bill 1243,” said Strow. Rep. Conway can be reached at (360) 786-7906 or Conway.steve@leg.wa.gov.

“There’s a certain point at which policy can be perceived as ‘nanny-stateish.’ I think we reached that point with last year’s legislation and I’m aiming to make amends,” said Strow.

Originally published 4:26 PM Wednesday, January 24, 2007