[StellarWind]

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Summary: HB 1243 makes there be no crime to play online poker for recreational purposes. HB 2127 changes the felony part of the law into a misdemeanor.

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Passing HB 2127 is actually the worst possible outcome. I would strongly prefer that nothing pass.

Right now the felony aspect of Washington law is a major embarrassment. It is so unreasonable it makes opponents of internet gaming look really bad. As long as playing internet poker is a felony, repeal bills like HB 1243 are going to keep coming up. Eventually Washington could stop being a prohibition state.

HB 2127 would solve our opponents' political problem. Internet poker would remain a misdemeanor forever. That's a tragedy because Washington is by far the best state to use for building a UIGEA prosecution against a pure poker room.

Who cares whether playing online poker is a felony or merely a serious misdemeanor? It's not like anyone is actually going to be prosecuted. Clearly the state has no intention of enforcing this law.