They took our rake!

Beginning today, place a bet online in the state of Washington and you could receive the same sentence as a child molester. Play poker online, you are in as much trouble as a repeat drunk driving offender.

What is this really about though? Its not moral objections with gambling, it is pure protectionism:

Washington State isn't exactly all about anti-gambling. Within its borders are 24 tribal casinos and 94 “house bank” cardrooms, which offer so-called "legalized poker".

In other words, Washington State is turning card players into felons to protect its tax base. Perhaps they should have spent that tobacco money a little better?