Internet Gambling Bill Hits Barrier

Dante · May 16, 2003

In a move that many feel may prevent passage of the Online Gambling Bill altogether, the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted 16-15 to modify legislation that would block credit-card payments to gambling websites, removing language exempting lawful casinos and other state-licensed gambling.
The amendment's sponsor, Rep. Chris Cannon, claimed his reasons stemmed from fears that gambling would be legalised in his home state of Utah. However, Virginia Republican Bob Goodlatte said Cannon's amendment could sink the bill as casinos, dog tracks and other gambling businesses would fight the bill through current regulatory mechanisms, claiming to be singled out. 'Don't jump into that thicket', he pleaded. The Cannon Amendment would also prevent Nevada from reviving a study on Internet gambling regulation.

Presumably Goodlatte took no comfort from the decisive vote being cast by Dem. Maxine Waters, who stated, 'I wanted to slow this down and signal my distaste with it all. We need to stop piecemealing what we are going to allow and not allow on the net.'

Dan Walsh of the Interactive Gaming Council sounded a positive note.

'The Cannon Amendment does not make this a better bill, but it makes it a more honest one. Either you want Internet gambling or you don't. And this makes the bill harder to pass.'

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Scoob · May 16, 2003

Thanks Dante. Sounds like good news.

Dante · May 16, 2003

I hear you scoob. if you compare this time last year when they tried to pass it , IMO it was alot closer last year then this year...I think this year it has NO chance...all we can do is hope

IntuitionBET · May 16, 2003

Want to HELP fight the ban? Don't just read about it...do something!

Now it's TIME to Stand-Up to PROTECT online gambling
Now's Your chance to make a difference.

Here is the site you need to go to to Tell your Representative and Senators to oppose H.R. 21 and S. 627, the so-called Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Acts! Fill out the form on this page to take action on this important issue (your privacy will be protected) http://www.profreedom.com/

This year THIS may be our only SHOT at being heard as a group, so everybody and their brother needs to Stand-up & be Heard for the good of the industry.

If you CARE about keeping Online gambling Online PLEASE sign-up or AT LEAST bring this thread up to the TOP so others can get involved.

suetoneous · May 16, 2003

Last year, I think it only got thru congress (by a quorum vote) because everyone knew it had absolutely no chance of getting to the floor of the Senate.

I believe this bill stands no chance at all.