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Congress Makes Internet Gambling Bill Tougher on Industry, FRC Says

On Tuesday, Commerce subcommittee chairman Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) and bill sponsor Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) tightened language in the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act (H.R. 3125) in order to narrow the scope of the previously included exemptions for on-line jai alai, dog and horse racing.

The language now clarifies the fact that the bill does not expand or codify any type of gambling. All exceptions have been eliminated except what is allowed in existing federal and state law.

Expected to come up for a vote next week, H.R. 3125, in effect, prohibits about 95 percent of on-line gambling activity and bans more than 700 sites.

"New language in the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act has put more teeth into an already tough bill. Congress must act now to stop the imminent explosion of Internet gambling sites," Family Research Council's Chief Spokeswoman Janet Parshall said Wednesday.

"A vote for this bill does not expand or codify any type of gambling. In fact, the scope of on-line horse racing, an existing reality in federal and state law, has been narrowed. In time, it should also be banned. Also, the new language might completely stop the already small and dying jai alai and dog racing industries from competing on-line.

H.R. 3125 is supported by Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, Christian Coalition, the FBI, the National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion, the National Association of Attorneys General, the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Council of Churches, and the Presbyterian Church - USA, among others.

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