House passes restrictions on online gambling

This Tuesday, the US House of Representatives passed legislation that would effectively deter gamblers from using credit cards in order to bet online. This new legislation can also possibly block access to gambling websites.The new piece of legislation will also clarify and update the existing law in order to spell out that a majority of on is illegal online. There are going to be exceptions to this rule though like state-run lotteries and horse racing. The new legislation is said to be on more unsure ground when it is forwarded to the Senate where Republican senators are believed to think that this is not a high priority in their agenda.

The House voted for the bill 317 – 93. The bill will allow authorities to work with internet providers in order to block access to gambling websites.

According to critics though, regulating the $12 billion industry will be better than outrightly banning it. “Prohibition didn’t work for alcohol. It won’t work for gambling,” stressed Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts.

The move has obviously met with some stiff opposition, particularly from the American Gaming Association, the industry’s largest lobby. The AGA has been known to oppose online gambling in the past. But recently, the group has also backed a study that explored the possibility of regulating it.

At present internet gambling industry is headquartered almost mainly outside the United States. But more than half of the people who frequent online casinos are living in the US.

According to supporters of the legislation internet betting can become an addictive activity and can result in people losing their hard earned savings.