In the US there are no laws except for Washington State that prevent a person from playing poker on the internet and those Washington laws have never been used. That being said Pete doesn't have a leg to stand on.
Out of curiosity, can you point out the specific section of Washington State law that you refer to? I'd be curious to see what it says and also to see what the context was when it was enacted.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2005-06/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/6613-S.HBA.pdf
Summary of Bill:
The Internet and telecommunications transmission systems are added to the list of technologies
that may not be used to send or receive gambling information under the Gambling Act. The
penalty for knowingly transmitting or receiving gambling information through such technologies
is increased from a gross misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in confinement and a
$5,000 fine, to an unranked Class C felony offense, which is punishable by up to one year in
confinement and a $10,000 fine.
Although like nioc said, it's never been used against someone playing poker.
I don't think anyone has to worry about the law as a player. There are no federal laws against playing online poker, and even in Washington where it's technically a felony they aren't looking to bust players.
