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Emerging Agenda: Battle over Internet Betting14 February 2001WASHINGTON -- Feb. 12, 2001 -- As reported by United Press International: ``Legislation to prohibit Internet gambling has very bad odds of becoming law in the 107th Congress, say those close to the issue. Since 1997, seven bills that would have outlawed the $2 billion-per-year industry have failed. History is set to repeat itself. ``One reason why is that Republicans are still deciding where they stand on Internet regulations. ``The issue creates tremendous tension between conservative values and the libertarian economics wings of the GOP. ``…Virginia Republican Rep. Bob Goodlatte, who has introduced four bills to stop Internet gambling, has vowed to renew his fight in the 107th. `There is no question that the online gambling boom is taking its toll on our families, our children, and our society,' he says. ``…Many in the GOP, however, are not ready to outlaw the industry. ``…`Let's give the Internet a chance to grow and evolve, rather than regulate it as quickly as it gets out of the box.' says one House Republican. ``… Many self-proclaimed gambling opponents voted against last year's bill because they could not support the exemptions carved out for Internet betting on horse and dog racing. "…Certainly the horse-racing industry wanted Goodlatte's bill to pass. Almost every racing association sided with Dobson and other gambling opponents to that end. "Unlike most e-commerce bills, the various Internet Gambling Prohibition Acts go before the Judiciary Committee, not the Commerce Committee, for hearings and markups." |