The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
Last update: July 17, 2006
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
On July 11 the House of Representatives voted 317 to 93 in favor of the The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (H.R. 4411). This is a strongly worded bill going after any business that would assist in wagering over the Internet. Exceptions are made for domestic horse racing and state-run lotteries. As the
roll call shows Republicans voted in favor 201 to 17 (94.95%) and Democrats 115 to 76 (60.21%). A full article on the house passage can be found at www.reviewjournal.com.
It is easy for me to say I oppose this legislation because it would obviously impact my main source of income (the adspace I sell to online casinos on this website). However I oppose all laws curtailing individual freedom of consenting adults as long as nobody else is victimized. I find it hypocritical that the Republican Party, which claims to support small governent, individual rights, and personal responsibility voted against these principles by a much wider margin than the Democratic Party.
Passage in the House could have been easily predicted. The House is the more conservative and politically extreme arm of congress. The Senate is more centrist where the vote should be close, if it comes up for a vote. According to the legislative schedule the Senate target adjournment date is October 6. It takes a long time for anything to move through congress. Before anything can become law both House and Senate must vote in favor of the same bill. If the Senate votes on this it will likely have different language. If that passes the Senate then the House and Senate will have to come up with a joint bill and then each arm of congress much pass the joint bill. A presidential signature at that point would be guaranteed. It is questionable if all that can happen by October 6.
So the real fight on this legislation will happen in the Senate. If you support the right for consenting adults to make a bet I ask that you write both of your senators to voice your opinion. You can also write your congressional representative if you wish, although on this issue the House of Representatives is hopeless. Thanks for listening and I'll keep you posted on this page.
"What kind of social, cultural authoritarianism are we practicing here? The fundamental principle of the autonomy of the individual is at stake today." - Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass, on HR 4411.
"...wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from injuring one another [and] shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits." - Thomas Jefferson, 1801 Inaugural Address
Here is a response I received from Nevada senator and minority leader Harry Reid.
July 17, 2006
Mr. Michael Shackelford
(address removed)
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Mr. Shackelford:
Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to legislation that would restrict Internet gambling. I appreciate hearing from you.
As you may know, the House of Representatives passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (H.R. 4411) on July 11, 2006 by a 317-93 vote. Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and James Leach (R-IA) introduced this measure, which would make it illegal for financial institutions or intermediaries to process payments to offshore casinos through bettors' electronic funds, checks, debits and other e-wallet transactions. The bill also updates the Wire Act of 1961, which forbids the transmission of betting over telephone lines, to specifically outlaw online gambling through any communication network. Furthermore, the bill fosters U.S. cooperation with foreign governments to identify Internet gaming operations that are being used for money laundering and other criminal activities. Criminal penalties would increase from two to five years. It should be noted the House bill protects Nevada's right to regulate gambling on the state level.
As a former gaming regulator, I believe that the integrity of the gaming industry can only be maintained through strong regulation. I am very skeptical that current efforts to regulate Internet gaming would be successful due to the unique challenges posed by its elusive format. Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind should the Senate consider similar legislation.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. For more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issues that interest you, please visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
My best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
HR:ss
Here is a response I received from Nevada senator John Ensign.
This is an official communication from the Office of Senator John Ensign.
Any tampering or alteration of this communication is prohibited and may result in criminal investigation or prosecution.
July 26, 2006
Mr. Michael Shackleford
(address removed)
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
Dear Mr. Shackleford:
Thank you for contacting me about legislation to prohibit online gaming.
I value the opinions of every Nevadan and am always grateful to those who take the time to inform me of their views.
For several years, Congress has been considering Internet gaming legislation which would modernize current law and expand the scope of prohibited activities for facilitating online gaming. Thus far, none of these bills have been signed into law. Most of the estimated 1,500 Internet gaming sites operate in offshore locations - likely beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement and the rules and regulations that apply to American casinos.
As legislation has come before the Senate in past years, I worked to ensure that the proposals did not unfairly discriminate against certain forms of gaming, such as the casinos located in our state, while favoring others, such as gaming on Indian reservations and race tracks. Furthermore, it is vital that individual states maintain the right to regulate gaming operations within their borders.
On July 11, 2006, the House of Representatives passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (H.R. 4411). This bill would attempt to prohibit financial transactions from taking place in connection with unlawful Internet gambling. If enacted into law, this bill may not stop illegal gambling because technology moves so fast and overseas operators have been very clever in devising alternate payment schemes to circumvent regulations. I am especially concerned about keeping illegal Internet gambling away from children, and I will be evaluating various proposals as they come before the Senate, including H.R. 4411.
Thank you again for contacting me. I will keep your thoughts, as well as those of all Nevadans, in mind as I serve our state in the Senate. Should you have any other questions or comments or would like to sign up for my monthly newsletter, please do not hesitated to either write or e-mail me via my website at http://ensign.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
JOHN ENSIGN
United States Senator
JE/jr
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