I speak as one among many citizens of Washington State who once enjoyed the liberty of gambling online. It wasn't just entertainment; it was a choice, a right. Unfortunately, this is a freedom that has been unlawfully stripped away from citizens of Washington State, including myself, due to the Unlawful RCW 9.46.240 law that prohibits online gambling. Washington State has banned online gambling in 2006, not based on the welfare of its people, but to protect the profits of Tribal casinos.

Despite the prevalent belief, online gambling does not imply widespread harm. There are numerous responsible adult consumers who handle their online gambling activities just as they manage other forms of entertainment in their lives. We argue for the right to choose our own entertainment without fear or stigmatization and seek the repeal and revision of the RCW 9.46.240 law to legalize online gambling. This law strips the citizens of Washington State of their consumer rights - an irony, considering our country is a bastion of free-market capitalism. Moreover, this decision puts consumers at risk of severe penalties, including potential felony charges, for the simple act of seeking entertainment online not because our activities pose harm, but because they challenge the vested interests of a specific group. 

The RCW 9.46.240 law, largely influenced by Tribal casino lobbying, has effectively outlawed online gambling in our state. But this act was not enacted out of concern for citizen welfare. These entities lobbied to outlaw online gambling to shield their income streams and avoid competition from digital counterparts. It was done to safeguard the interests of Tribal casinos, granting them exclusivity in an industry that thrived on consumer choice. I implore all concerned citizens to take a stand against this blatant injustice. It's time we reclaim our consumer rights and pave the way for a balanced and fair industry, and it's time for us to fight against this grossly misused authority.

In 2018, the United States gambling industry generated $79.42 billion in revenue (source: Statista).—implying massive profits for well-protected casinos in a monopolized market. This stark reality speaks volumes against this law, revealing its sole purpose: to stifle competition and guard casino profits. Should the citizens not have a say in how this lucrative industry is managed and accessed in their own state? As a result of this law, a massive economic benefit frittered away due to vested interests (AGA Report, 2020). Instead of tapping into this revenue stream, we are effectively driving it underground or out of state. In our case, it is not just about the loss of potential revenue for the state, it is also about the erosion of our rights. The tight clasps of this law need to be loosened and reviewed. It’s essential to uphold the rights of the residents of Washington to make their own choices.

This November, we have a chance to correct this imbalance by legalize online gambling. We urge the inclusion of a repeal of RCW 9.46.240 on the coming ballot. It's time we restore the rights of Washington State's citizens and allow individuals the freedom to decide where and how they gamble without fear of retribution. It is imperative for us to advocate for the repeal of the unlawful RCW 9.46.240 law and it's time to stop protecting obsolete monopolies and embrace the modern, digital age. The benefits of a regulated, competitive industry make it a win-win for both consumers and the state government. Let us reclaim our freedom of choice and our democratic right to vote on issues affecting our personal lives. We urge you to sign this petition and make a stand for personal freedom and fairness in our state and ensure that this issue is represented in the upcoming November ballot.

Your support is instrumental. Sign this petition today and help build a fairer Washington.