Congressman Aderholt: House Acts to Protect Children House Approve Legislation to Curb Internet Gambling

CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT: HOUSE ACTS TO PROTECT CHILDREN
House Approves Legislation to Curb Internet Gambling

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. This legislation will, among other things, help protect minors from the dangers of Internet gambling sites. The bill passed the House today by a margin of 317 to 93.

"Gambling in any form, but especially internet gambling, is a danger to children," Congressman Aderholt said in his floor statement. "Because these illegal websites lack reliable age verification tools, children of any age can easily access these sites and begin gambling. These sites also encourage gambling addiction in adults with their ease of access and the opportunity to gamble using credit cards."

Congressman Aderholt added, "I have been a long time gambling opponent and have co-sponsored tough enforcement measures in the past that would increase criminal penalties and support international anti-money laundering efforts. The legislation we passed today includes these measures and takes further strong steps to curtail these dangerous sites by cutting off their sources of funding. It's an important step toward eradicating this threat and ensuring the safety of our children and our communities."

It is estimated that Americans currently spend a staggering $5.9 billion each year on Internet gambling. Because of the ready availability of Internet gambling sites, many Americans are unaware that these sites are in fact currently illegal. Gambling websites endanger children, who can easily access the sites; encourage addiction; and provide a front for money laundering, drug trafficking, and terrorist financing.

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.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/al04_aderholt/071106InternetGambling.html