Passage of Net Gambling Bill Unlikely

Passage of Net Gambling Bill Unlikely
Friday, October 24 2003

The ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Barney Frank (Mass.), says Congress is unlikely to pass a bill this year to restrict online gambling by preventing payment to gambling sites. Frank says Congress has to deal with too many other issues in the time remaining: “I think it’s pretty clear they will not be able to get a bill this year. I don’t know about next year.” However, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) predicted last month that Congress would pass the bill before adjourning in 2003. The House voted 319-104 on June 10 to restrict Internet gambling by banning the use of credit cards, checks and electronic fund transfers for online wagering. The Senate Banking Committee voted 19-0 on July 31 to pass a bill by Kyl that mirrors the House measure except for one key provision that would prevent Nevada and other states from legalizing online wagering within their borders. The American Gaming Association objects to the provision and is attempting to change or remove it through negotiations with Kyl’s staff. Frank explains, “I think there aren’t the votes to do a complete ban, and once you start making exemptions and exceptions, the whole thing starts to unravel.”

http://www.casinowire.com/news.asp?id=5203

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has the complete story.