Washington Residents Denied Online Poker Access

Residents of the US state of Washington have been denied access to PokerStars, the world's most popular online poker room, in another blow to American poker players.

PokerStars announced last Thursday that its Washington users would no longer be allowed play on the poker site because of a recent ruling in the state Supreme Court, which upheld Washington's ban on online gaming.

The law was brought in accordance with the federal 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which effectively banned online gaming, giving each state the right to decide what is defined as such.

Significance

The announcement by PokerStars was historic in that it marked the first time an online gaming site has stopped its players from accessing real-money poker play in a specific US state.

Despite this latest setback, efforts by pro-poker lobbyists go on. The Poker Players Alliance announced following the ruling that the fight is by no means over, saying it will continue to pursue other legal and legislative efforts to overturn the law and to license and regulate online poker.

Congressman Barney Frank's Online Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, also known as HR 2267, is not likely to be heard before the 2010 midterm elections, but it remains in play nevertheless, and if it passes would allow online gambling companies to receive licenses in the USA.