Washington state has passed measures restricting online poker and other forms of internet gambling.

SB 6613, which seeks to prosecute people who use the "internet (sic) and certain other interactive electronic or mechanical devises to engage in gambling", was passed in the State Senate after the penalties for those caught playing were made more stringent.

People caught playing online poker will not be charged with a Class C Felony rather than a gross misdemeanor, carrying up to a ten year prison sentence.

The bill also passed in the State House of Representatives with a 93-5 margin.

Having been approved by governor Christine Gregoire last week, the new law will take effect from June 7th, giving Washington based gamblers just one month to enjoy their hobby.

The law was passed partially in response to concerns over the effects online gambling has on teenagers. The lack of security measures to prevent children from accessing sites and the high proportion of teens already gambling were frequently cited reasons for anti-gambling legislation.