PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site, has banned all real money play from residents of and visitors to the State of Washington.  PokerStar’s complete statement and a little more color is included in Cardplayer.com’s description of this major development.  The gist of PokerStars’ reasoning is that in light of the recent Washington Supreme Court ruling, it is clear that the state criminalizes online poker and, more to the point, that the questionable legality of the issue no longer is in doubt.  At least to the level that PokerStars feels comfortable taking the risk.  (Another factor in the site’s thinking likely is the potential that the U.S. will legalize online poker in the next few years, and the rumor that sites that operated illegally prior to that time will be banned.) 

Clearly, I disagree with the decision by Washington.  However, I do not disagree with PokerStar’s decision.  While tragic for Washington residents and anyone considering a move to Seattle to rekindle grunge, it’s pretty much a no-brainer for a mega company like PokerStars.  The revenue from Washington, I assume, is a drop in the bucket of its overall U.S. revenues.  To risk significant civil — and criminal — penalties to earn that revenue (which may decrease anyway as a result of the effect of the law on the average player) would be foolish from a business standpoint.  Have no doubt, PokerStars is a company concerned primarily with its bottom line; it has no grander moral agenda. 

If you’re sitting at home in Olympia waking up and reading this for the first time, sorry.  But at least take solace in the knowledge that your money is safe (you still can withdraw funds) and if you ever decide to move from your parents’ home to another state you’ll be free to continue playing (just need to prove a change of residence to that new state). 

And if you have a friend who lives in Washington, do not pm him for a heads-up game on Stars.  That’s just cruel.