Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington's ban on internet gambling is constitutional. That's the unanimous ruling Thursday from the state Supreme Court. But the attorney who brought the challenge to the law says he's not done fighting.

Four years ago, the Washington legislature updated its anti-gambling laws to make it a Class C felony to gamble online.

Seattle attorney Lee Rousso challenged the law all the way to the Washington Supreme Court. It was a personal fight for him.

Lee Rousso: "Well, I'm a real attorney and a want-to-be poker player."

Rousso argued Washington's internet gambling ban unconstitutionally limits interstate commerce. But in a 9-0 opinion, Washington's high court disagreed finding the law applies equally to in-state and out-of-state online casinos.

Rousso says he'll appeal.

Lee Rousso: "I think it presents a cutting-edge issue of constitutional law. Internet gambling is a new phenomenon. I think the United States Supreme Court has to take a position on what extent states can regulate it."

The Washington Supreme Court also recently ruled against a website called Betcha.com.

It was a place where gamblers could meet-up and wager on anything from sporting events to political outcomes. The court found Betcha was engaged in bookmaking in violation of the law.