Judge Upholds Move To Stop Internet Poker Sites

A Kentucky judge today moved not to deny the state the right to seize the domain names of dozens of Internet gambling sites.  Judge Thomas Wingate denied a motion by Internet gambling Web sites, online trade associations and Internet poker players to stop the state from taking over the domain names of 141 online gambling sites.

Judge Thomas Wingate had ordered to allow the state to seize the domain names of the allegedly illegal sites back in mid September. Many of those who motioned to block the seizure claimed that it would set a bad precedent for Internet regulation and could have a far-reaching impact on the Internet.

According to John Pappas, executive director of the PPA.  “Clearly, we believe the judge in this case got it wrong. First of all, we strongly disagree with Judge Wingate’s ruling that poker is not a game of skill.  As demonstrated in the amicus brief we filed, skill plays an essential role in being a successful poker player. Additionally, we believe that by confirming Governor Beshear’s actions, the court has set a dangerous precedent for censorship of the Internet.  Today’s ruling is a big step backward for both personal rights and Internet freedom.”“Judge Wingate’s order is a huge disappointment to the thousands of Kentuckians who play Internet poker.  In essence, Governor Beshear and Judge Wingate are denying law-abiding citizens this form of recreation simply because it is enjoyed on the Internet.  This is Internet censorship by judicial fiat, plain and simple,” said Rich Muny, Kentucky State Director of the Poker Players Alliance.

Among the sites threatened are PokerStars, DoylesRoom, and FullTiltPoker.