PPA releases statement in Washington case
1 June 2010YMPIA, Washington -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Former Senator Alfonse D'Amato, chairman of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide and 20,000 in Washington, today released the following statement at the conclusion of oral arguments presented before the State Supreme Court in the case of Rousso v. State . Mr. Rousso believes the state law making individuals felons for playing poker online is unconstitutional.
"The PPA is pleased that the Washington State Supreme Court agreed to hear this case, and today's arguments have provided the court compelling reasons to reverse this ridiculous law. Washington is the only state in America that makes its citizens felons for enjoying a game of poker – even penny ante games – on their own computers in their own homes. This law is not about the legislature protecting the state's citizens, but rather it is about protecting special interests and tribal casinos from competition. In fact, a recent poll of Washington voters found that almost 80 percent of voters oppose this law. The court of public opinion has spoken and now the state Supreme Court must strike down this unconstitutional and invasive law.
"I was amazed by the turnout of poker players who joined us this morning on the steps of the Supreme Court to support Mr. Rousso's case. These Washington poker enthusiasts are doctors, lawyers, auto mechanics and school teachers, not hardened felons. The Poker Players Alliance is grateful that the local poker community is so dedicated, and I hope local lawmakers know that these voters care deeply about their freedoms.
"The PPA looks forward to working with Washington's state and federal lawmakers, regardless of outcome in this case, to establish effective licensing and regulation of online poker as opposed to criminalizing citizens for playing the game."