Many Senators Put Holds On Anti-Internet Gambling Legislation

As reported by Reuters out of Washington D.C late Wednesday afternoon, the Anti-Internet Gambling Bill appears to have a very dim future...

Prospects have dimmed for swift U.S. Senate passage of a bill to outlaw most forms of Internet gambling as industry trade groups and lawmakers raise objections, congressional sources said on Wednesday.

Efforts to move a House-passed measure through the Senate have run into opposition from lobbyists representing casino owners and horse- and dog-racing interests in recent days. Some Republican senators have broken ranks and and placed "holds" on it, the sources said.

"The House-passed bill is not going to pass the Senate," said one source who is knowledgeable about the legislation, adding that changes must be made to win sufficient support.

The industry is a major contributor to some congressional campaigns and sources said opposition could stir up new trouble among senators such as Republicans Jim Bunning and Mitch McConell of Kentucky or Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada.

One aide said concerns had been voiced by representatives of casinos as well as horse-racing tracks, dog tracks and lotteries about limited exemptions in the bill.

"There is always a chance that differences can be resolved and the Senate could vote before the August recess, but not a very good one at this point," one aide said.

In order to win support, Kyl may have to amend the Senate bill and ask House lawmakers to revisit a similar amended version, other sources said.

Supporters could take up the bill when the Senate reconvenes in September. But it would be difficult to work out changes in time for members of Congress to return to their districts to campaign before the November elections.

July 27, 2006
Posted By Susan Torres
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!