Is Online Poker Legal ... And For How Long?

Now, the first blow to Online Gambling was recently struck in Washington State, where they've passed a bill (Senate Bill 6613) to make gambling online a Class C felony -- on the same level as sex offenders. What the hell? Seriously, what. the. hell. Max punishment: ten years in prison. I am not making this up. It goes into effect June 7th. How they'll enforce this law is murky, but it'll be on the books, which is troubling. Read more about it here.

Meanwhile, an even larger and scarier bill is winding its way through the US Congress, The Goodlatte anti-Internet gambling bill. It is heading for a full committee vote, and I and many other poker players are worried. The bill would make it illegal for financial institutions to work with online gambling sites. And why does Rep. Goodlatte say we need it? Of course, to fight terrorism. Again, I am not making this up. He claimes that online gambling helps terrorists launder money. For a really good explanation, read Cardplayer's article explaining the bill.

More thoughts on the bills from the poker blogs:

• The Poker Prof weighs in
• Joanne at Cardsquad on Washington's New Law
• Our guest-written article on Is Online Poker Legal?
• Photos from when Lederer, Ferguson, and Raymer Went to Capitol Hill to try and stop this madness

Meanwhile, get online and play some poker WHILE YOU STILL CAN:
10 Best Online Sites | Best Online Poker Sites for Mac Players