 May 19 - Lee Russo, the attorney-turned-politician, who called for
Washington courts to overturn a state law that makes online poker gambling
illegal, has promised to take his fight all the way to the Supreme Court after
the controversial case was dismissed by a judge last week.
Russo, who serves as the Washington State Director of the Poker Players
Alliance, filed to have the state laws deemed unconstitutional last year and
finally got his day in court last week. Over the past year, he has managed to
garner the support of a large following of online poker players, and his fight
has also contributed to the significant growth of Poker Players Alliance members
- over one million to date.
In his arguments, Russo maintained that it was hypocritical for the state to
ban online poker playing and make it a felony crime - punishable with five years
in prison - for citizens who have a game from their own homes, while still
allowing poker playing in casinos across Washington state.
Last week, Judge Mary Roberts dismissed the case, saying that there was not
enough evidence to show that the ban was unconstitutional and that Washington's
traditionally strict stance on gambling affected her ruling. This comment was
met with eyebrow raising by many who are quite aware of the legal casinos and
card rooms in the state.
Outside the courtroom, Russo, who stepped down in his race to become state
governor several months ago, urged his supporters and fellow Poker Players
Alliance members to continue in their efforts. "Fight the good fight," he told
them. "We are going to win this battle. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but
someday soon."
Related Poker Articles And News Items:
> 888 Merges Poker and Cricket Dreams Through Exciting Promotions
> Ante up for Africa Poker Event Earns Half a Million for Charity
> Supreme Hope for Danish Poker Players
> PKR Moves into Nightly Television
> Titan Poker Awards Top Prize to Canadian Student
> Second Bad Beat Poker Win for Ultimate Bet Pro
> Three New Poker Licensees for Microgaming
> Plumber Wins World Poker Crown Tournament
|
