Pryce: Internet Gambling Bill Will Close Online Loopholes
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Columbus) today said the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, which the House passed today, will close loopholes in a law that have allowed illegal Internet gambling to flourish.
“Internet gambling is a danger to children and families and an invitation to addiction,” Pryce said. “Unlike brick-and-mortar casinos, Internet gambling sites are readily accessible to minors, providing easy opportunity for young children to develop destructive and dangerous habits. And as I continue to work with my colleagues to pass comprehensive identity theft legislation, we should not turn a blind eye to an industry that cannot prevent children from gambling with credit cards with total strangers.
“Ohioans have a well-documented history of rejecting gambling in our state. In recent years, Ohio voters have overwhelmingly rejected two casino gambling ballot initiatives, and the Ohio General Assembly has fought off numerous legislative attempts to allow for various forms of gambling under a variety of auspices. The message of these actions should be resoundingly clear: what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas.”
H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, cracks down on Internet gambling in four ways. First, the bill clears up ambiguities in the Wire Act and clarifies that the provisions of the law (which bans the use of wire communication facilities to transfer bets or wagers or related money) apply to Internet gambling. It also increases the maximum penalty for Wire Act violations. Second, the bill cuts off these sites’ funding sources by regulating payment systems. Third, the bill authorizes law enforcement to pursue injunctions against persons or businesses that aid Internet gambling. Finally, the legislation supports international efforts to combat illegal gambling and money-laundering.
