Internet Gambling Prohibition Act to be Reintroduced

A member of the United States House of Representatives plans to reintroduce legislation that would make Internet gambling illegal.

Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia said he would reintroduce the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act Feb. 16. The bill had been introduced the last two years but lacked the required two-thirds vote.

A release from Goodlatte's office alleged a lobbying campaign killed the bill, which is designed to "protect our children and communities from the problems of addiction, crime, bankruptcy, and family difficulties that come from gambling."

Previous legislation has sought to outlaw the funding mechanism for Internet gambling--use of credit. The pari-mutuel industry, which derives substantial revenue from online wagering and simulcasting legal under the Interstate Horseracing Act, has been protected in previous bills.