Morality Crusade goes on... Any thoughts on why now? Does this really have a chance?
Christian Coalition Applauds Congressman Goodlatte's Internet Gambling Prohibition Act Introduced with Over 100 Co-Sponsors
To: National Desk
Contact: Michele Combs, Director of Communication for the Christian Coalition, 202-479-6900, michele@cc.org
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 Christian Wire Service -- Christian Coalition of America commends Congressman Bob Goodlatte, (R-VA), for introducing his "Internet Gambling Prohibition Act" with over 100 co-sponsors. The Wire Act passed years ago by the United States Congress prohibits gambling over telephone wires. However, it is unclear as to whether or not using the Internet to operate a gambling business is illegal. Congressman Goodlatte's bill amends the Wire Act to make it clear that its prohibitions include Internet gambling by modernizing the Act after the many new technological developments since the Act was passed. The Goodlatte bill when it becomes law will expand the existing prohibition to include all bets or wagers, not merely bets or wagers on sporting events or contests.
The President of the Christian Coalition of America, Roberta Combs said, "Christian Coalition of America commends Congressman Goodlatte for introducing and the over 100 Members of the U. S. House of Representatives for co-sponsoring the "Internet Gambling Prohibition Act" which will do much to stop the scourge of gambling on the Internet. It behooves Congress to pass Congressman Goodlatte's "Internet Gambling Prohibition Act" this year before gambling on the Internet spirals out of control."
The Goodlatte bill has several goals including: updating the Wire Act to cover all forms of gambling and new technologies; increasing penalties for violations of the Wire Act including up to 5 years in prison; prohibiting credit card use for illegal gambling; and providing additional law enforcement tools to combat illegal gambling. The "Internet Gambling Prohibition Act" also respects states' rights and the bill leaves the regulation of wholly intrastate betting or wagering to the states with tight controls to be sure that it does not extend beyond their borders or to minors.