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Lee Rousso Unsuccessful in Court, Plans to Appeal[ return to main articles page ]

By: Dan
Published on May 15th, 2008
In a courthouse in Kent, Washington, PPA State Director Lee Rousso argued in favor of overturning a law that makes playing online poker in the state a Class C felony, the equivalent of being convicted of child pornography. It’s one of the most severe internet gambling laws in the country, and motivated Rousso to run for Governor in Washington back in January. On Thursday, the Judge in the case ruled in favor of the State - disappointing news for online poker. However, Rousso will be appealing the decision. PocketFives.com spoke with Rousso hours after the hearing. In addition, we heard from Barry Greenstein and Andy Bloch, who were in attendance at a Poker Players Alliance rally on the courthouse steps.

Rousso commented, “I thought I had a great case. The one thing that the judge found that surprised me is that she determined I didn’t show that the law discriminated in favor of in-state business interests and against out-of-state business interests. Once she got past that, her ruling focused on the history of the state’s ability to regulate gambling. I will appeal this.”

Rousso, in a sentiment later echoed by Greenstein, commented that no matter what the outcome was, the losing party was going to appeal. In addition, “when you go into court with a gambling-related case, it makes people think funny. I will try to appeal directly to the Washington State Supreme Court, which will take six months. In that sense, the fact I lost in court today gives us more incentive to get things done.” About 30% of the cases that are appealed are overturned.

PocketFives.com spoke to poker pro Barry Greenstein shortly after the hearing concluded on Thursday. He commented, “We didn’t agree with the judge’s decision. We were hoping that the law would be overturned. These types of laws are nonsensical.” About 70 players turned out for the rally, which occurred at the same location as the hearing. Greenstein comments on the turnout: “It was about what we were expecting. It was in the middle of the day. We had people wearing ‘poker is not a crime’ shirts. Andy and I spoke to crowd as well.” For members of the PPA and the community who turned out, an important statement was made: Poker players will fight for their rights.

Greenstein describes why he considers these types of laws “nonsensical” in nature: “I represent poker players as a whole to some degree. I don’t like people picking on poker players because they are an easy target by making up stories like online poke rooms are being used to finance terrorism and money laundering and things that simply aren’t true.”

Poker pro Andy Bloch was also at the event and told PocketFives.com, “The law is out of whack in Washington State. The penalty for playing $0.05/$0.10 online poker is the same as drinking and driving multiple times. Eventually, I think we’ll have a successful appeal. However, voters in Washington have to contact their State Representatives and say, ‘I want you to oppose this law. If you don’t, I’ll vote against you and make sure you aren’t elected.’”

On a national level, the same is true in Bloch’s eyes: “That’s what we need nationwide. Anyone can go and visit a lawmaker’s local office. If you go to Washington, DC, make an appointment to talk with your Congressman. I was actually surprised that so many Congressmen said that’s what affects them. You might not be able to talk to a Congressman directly, but you might be able to talk to an aide. Make sure to say that you’re representing thousands of other voters in your district.”

You can check out the entire history of the case by visiting the PPA website. If you’re not a member of this industry organization, you should be. I am, along with over a million other online poker players. Registration literally takes a few minutes and is completely free.

Stay tuned to PocketFives.com for updates on this story as they unfold. Thank you very much to Rousso, Greenstein, Bloch, and the Poker Players Alliance for making this interview possible.

Comments

  1. Kiribato Kiribato is offline

    Lyon
    France

    Posts: 1,655
    Joined: Oct 07

    May 16th, 2008 (5/16/2008 7:11am)

    <p>lol american laws are so retarded.No distinction between playing poker and  pornography Geez. </p>
  2. suicidekng33 suicidekng33 is offline

    Westerville, OH
    United States

    Posts: 3
    Joined: Mar 07

    May 16th, 2008 (5/16/2008 9:17am) in reply to Dan

    <p>The Land of the Free</p>
    <p>When it comes down to looking at laws that regulate moral issues such as gambling sometimes the logic of lawmakers is truly ridiculous.  First and foremost gambling is legal in all 50 states, as long as the government can make money on it.  Does that state of Washington not have a lottery, which the government regulates and enjoys money from for programs around the state?  If you are arguing that gambling is immoral, then should be programs not be abolished?  </p>
    <p>If you are arguing that gambling breaks down the moral fiber of society then look at cultures in Europe, their societies seem to be getting along just fine with gambling.  Or you could look to Americas past when there werent strict gambling laws governing how people could spend their money, and society progressed just fine.  </p>
    <p>If you are arguing that gambling can be destructive to a person who loses his house or childs college fun then I would tell you that we allow cigarettes, alcohol and obese people to eat themselves to death at fast food chains.  Not only that but when people make destructive decisions such as drinking and smoking our government often ends up paying at least part of the bill through for hospitals through programs like Medicare.  Also the government is clearly not that concerned with destructive decision making as long as they are making money of via the state lottery.  Can someone not but $500 a day or a college fund buying lottery tickets.  </p>
    <p>Ultimately poker legislation comes down to the governments need to control or regulate morals.  Anyone telling people to join the PPA is correct, until we have a strong voter base then we will not be able to have an impact on the laws of this backward country.  As stated before self interest is something government officials understand, so if you dont vote for them, they will start to listen.  We need to tell government officials not to regulate our right to spend the money we make in a manner we choose to do so.  I mean historically the regulation of morals has worked so well in the pastThat is why the war on drugs and the prohibition are/were successful </p>
    <p>Avid poker player and supporter of human rights..</p>
    <p>Suicidekng33</p>
    <p>Tony </p>
  3. The ChAOS! The ChAOS! is offline

    Alexis, IL
    United States

    Posts: 540
    Joined: Jun 06

    May 16th, 2008 (5/16/2008 1:32pm) in reply to Dan

    <p>I live in the ppl's republic of Washington.  This whole state doesn't make sense...and your'e right about american laws....we are fucking jackasses sometimes</p>
  4. sean b sean b is offline

    Nashua, NH
    United States

    Posts: 658
    Joined: Mar 08

    May 16th, 2008 (5/16/2008 1:58pm) in reply to Dan

    <p>my sister inlaw is a judge in seattle im trying to talk to her and find out what she thinks and if there is anything she can do.</p>
  5. MissBecky MissBecky is offline if you're nasty

    United States

    Posts: 16,782
    Joined: Jun 07

    May 16th, 2008 (5/16/2008 2:02pm) in reply to Dan

    <p>pluv and myself live in washington as well.  looks like we may be moving to oregon soon.  gg.</p>
  6. 2Slick4u 2Slick4u is offline

    Atlanta, GA
    United States

    Posts: 4,767
    Joined: Jun 05

    May 16th, 2008 (5/16/2008 2:26pm) in reply to Dan

    <p>Washington State is the one that has the alliance with Iran and Syria right. And isn't Washington State where the International Nazi Hall of Historical Artifacts is located?</p>
    <p>And isn't Washington State where they hold all the KuKluxKlan rallies and conferences? Weren't most of the women who got the Salem Witch Trials going recent arrivals from Washington State?</p>
    <p>And I'm pretty sure the form of capitol punishment in Washington State is beheading. Also, Washington State is the only place in the union which still allows Honor Killings of any females who are caught out in public not in the company of a male family relative..... course I could be mistaken....</p>
  7. TheEngineer TheEngineer is offline Rich Muny - PPA Board VP

    KY
    United States

    Posts: 2,830
    Joined: Nov 07

    May 16th, 2008 (5/16/2008 4:48pm) in reply to Dan

    <p>digg at <a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://digg.com/politics/Appeal_planned_to_overturn_Wash_state_Internet_pok er_law">digg.com/.../Appeal_planned_to_overturn_Wash_state_Internet_pok er_law</a></p>
     
  8. papaGEORGIOOO papaGEORGIOOO is offline

    Posts: 27
    Joined: Oct 06

    May 17th, 2008 (5/17/2008 2:12am) in reply to Dan

    <p>This is ridiculous, people who are appointed judge need to take a logic test.  Either this fking judge has no logic or they're being paid by some other interest to make their decision.</p>
 

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