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The pulse of the online poker world has been centered in the Pacific Northwest in recent weeks. In the great state of Washington, former horse racing handicapper turned lawyer Lee Rousso has carried the banner for online poker, attempting to overturn a heinous state law that makes playing online poker a Class C felony, the equivalent of being convicted of child pornography. In a hearing on May 15th, a judge ultimately sided with the State; however, Rousso plans to appeal directly to the Washington State Supreme Court. Rousso joins the PocketFives.com Podcast this week to talk about the law in question and his vision of the future.

So what happens if you play online poker at a Starbucks in Seattle? Rousso explains: “Washington State has the strictest online gambling law in the U.S. in the sense that the penalties that it puts on a recreational poker player are pretty extreme. If you’re playing poker on the internet, even for a nickel ante game, you’re committing a Class C felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. You also run the risk of losing your home.” That’s a harsh fine for playing a $1 sit and go on PokerStars.

Online Poker Scene – Lee Rousso Appears on the PocketFives.com Podcast

Author Contact Info: Dan Cypra

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