Gambling Commission Regulators Raid Site

State Gambling Commission investigators have moved on an internet betting site that is based out of Seattle, confiscating laptops and computer monitors with the permission of a search warrant. They came into Betcha.com with their warrant, and literally took what they wanted, according to sources at the scene.

Nick Jenkins, founder and CEO of Betcha.com is outraged and is seeking a restraining order against the state. The commission has confirmed that they took his computers but would not give further comment on the subject. He says he understands the law, but they are not governed by it.

Jenkins says that they are not challenging the law, he says that they are simply the provider of a forum where people can bet over pretty much anything, but there are no guaranteed bets. Someone can totally renege on their bet, and their score will reflect it, but since they don’t actually accept bets themselves they are not gambling and are not illegal. Jenkins knows somewhat of what he is talking about considering that he is a Georgetown law school graduate himself.

Meanwhile, lawyer Lee Rousso is currently fighting the Washington State government, claiming that their online wagering ban conflicts with the U.S. Constitution’s protections of interstate trade. Lawmakers approved the ban and it went into effect last June, with it extending prohibitions that had already been in effect for gambling by telephone or telegraph. They also changed the penalty to a felony instead of a gross misdemeanor, and many are upset by the ban to say the least.

Back to Monthly Archive // Main Slot Machine News Index