Number: RS22418
Title: Internet Gambling: Two Approaches in the 109th Congress
Authors: Charles Doyle, American Law Division 
Abstract: On September 30, 2006, Congress passed and sent to the President the SAFE Port Act (H.R. 4954) that includes an Internet gambling title added in conference. The President signed the bill on October 13, 2006 (P.L. 109-347). The Internet gambling title prohibits gambling businesses from accepting checks, credit cards, electronic transfers and the like in connection with illegal Internet gambling In doing so, it tracks the language of H.R. 4411 as reported by the Financial Services Committee, but does not contain the amendments to the Wire Act or most of the other provisions folded into H.R. 4411 from H.R. 4777 prior to House passage in July. The title exempts intrastate and intratribal Internet gambling operations that feature age and location verification requirements imposed as a matter of law. It also leaves in place questions as to the extent to which the Interstate Horseracing Act curtails the reach of other federal laws.
Pages: 5
Date: Updated November 15, 2006