Lawyer sues State of Washington over online gaming ban

Renton-based attorney Lee Rousso has filed suit against the State of Washington in an attempt to alter the state’s restrictive policy regarding online wagering.

Washington’s law, passed as Senate Bill 6613, prohibited various forms of online wagering, making it a felony in many cases to place a wager online. State officials claimed the law was intended to bring Washington in compliance with the Federal Wire act, but Rousso contends that the law was designed more with the interests of the states gaming industry in mind.

Rousso is challenging the law based on the commerce clause of the US Constitution, which essentially prevents individual states from regulating the businesses of other states.

When asked about the potential for his challenge to overturn the law, Rousso replied: “I think my chances are darn good.”