February 14,2004
www.gamblingmagazine.com
Washington horseplayers could bet by phone or over the Internet under a bill passed by the state Senate.
Senate Bill 6481 is aimed at helping the state's struggling racing industry, essentially by legalizing wagers that are currently being made illegally over the Internet. Neither tracks nor the state make any money from such bets.
"This is already happening," said Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla. "All we're trying to do is get our portion back."
The bill would also expand Emerald Downs' authorization to simulcast live horse races from tracks in other states and allow two more off-track betting parlors in King County.
The bill passed 38-10, despite opposition from gambling opponents. Under the state Constitution, bills expanding gambling must pass by a two-thirds majority.
"Us putting a stamp of approval on this bill is like stepping into horse manure," said Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard.
www.gamblingmagazine.com
Washington horseplayers could bet by phone or over the Internet under a bill passed by the state Senate.
Senate Bill 6481 is aimed at helping the state's struggling racing industry, essentially by legalizing wagers that are currently being made illegally over the Internet. Neither tracks nor the state make any money from such bets.
"This is already happening," said Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla. "All we're trying to do is get our portion back."
The bill would also expand Emerald Downs' authorization to simulcast live horse races from tracks in other states and allow two more off-track betting parlors in King County.
The bill passed 38-10, despite opposition from gambling opponents. Under the state Constitution, bills expanding gambling must pass by a two-thirds majority.
"Us putting a stamp of approval on this bill is like stepping into horse manure," said Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard.
