STEARNS VOTES WITH HOUSE TO STRENGTHEN LAW AGAINST ILLEGAL INTERNET GAMBLING
INTERNET GAMBLING SITES OFTEN FRONTS FOR MONEY LAUNDERING AND DRUG TRAFFICKING
WASHINGTON, JULY 11, 2006 - "It is estimated that Americans this year will send $6 billion of their money illegally to offshore, online gambling sites," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "The FBI has warned that often these Internet gambling sites are fronts for money laundering, drug trafficking, and even a source for financing terrorists. The Wire Act, which makes it a felony for gambling businesses to use wire communications, was passed in 1961, well before the Internet. It is clear that this law is outdated."
Today the House approved H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. "Internet gambling is unregulated, lacking strong safeguards against gambling by minors or to protect the integrity of the games," added Stearns. "H.R. 4411 clarifies that the Wire Act applies to the Internet, regulates payments systems to cut off the flow of money to Internet gambling sites, authorizes State and Federal law enforcement agencies to seek injunctions against those who facilitate illegal Internet gambling, and increases penalties for violating the Wire Act. However, it exempts legal wagering on horse races."
The major professional sports leagues and the NCAA, the financial services industry, and family groups support this measure.
For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.
