Ban On Online Gambling Closes In On House Debate

D-day could be on the horizon for online gamblers, including online poker players, as HR-4411 – The Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act – could find its way to the House floor as early as Tuesday. HR 4411 is a combined bill from Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Jim Leach (R-Iowa).

The Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act is designed to cut the flow of money from US gamblers to the offshore, Internet-based gambling sites. US gamblers represent about half of the estimated $12 billion to be wagered online in 2006. In addition to stopping the flow of money, provisions would also be in place to block gambling sites at the ISP level and a further clarification of the Wire Act to include poker sites.

Ironically, the bill would still allow online wagering for horse racing and state lotteries, the former legalized as part of the Internet Horseracing Act.

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