PokerStars blocks access to free online poker in Washington
The move follows on from last week’s ruling by the Ninth Circuit of US Court of Appeals that Big Fish Casino’s use of virtual casino chips within its games constitutes gambling under the Washington State Gambling Act, with the case remanded back to the US District Court to allow a civil lawsuit to proceed.
The case began back in 2015, when a complainant’s US$1,000 loss in virtual chips led to her suing Big Fish Casino’s then-parent company Churchill Downs.
The Washington State Gambling Commission has tweeted following the ruling: “Since the decision was published, we have become aware that some online social gaming websites, including Poker Stars, have proactively made the business decision to deny Washington residents access to their sites.
“We are not a party to the civil court case, we did not testify in the case, and we did not order these sites to discontinue free online play for Washington residents. Customers with concerns should contact these websites directly.”
Michigan iGaming hits new revenue record of $260.5 million in March
Westgate Las Vegas announces new offers for Vegas Golden Knights' playoff run
Nebraska: WarHorse Casino Omaha celebrates major expansion
Holland Casino warns of financial uncertainty amid rising gambling taxes
Lottery.com relaunches US sweepstakes operations at the F1 Miami Grand Prix
Platipus Gaming unveils new poker game Triple Strike Poker
IGT launches Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet in U.S. casinos
Casino Guru Awards 2025 begins evaluation phase
