Internet Gambling Prohibition Act

Bill: 109-hr-4777
Sponsor: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6]
Introduced: 2006-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Checks
Civil actions and liability
Credit
Electronic commerce
Electronic funds transfers
Finance and Financial Sector
Fines (Penalties)
Gambling
Government Operations and Politics
Injunctions
Interactive media
Internet
Law
Licenses
Lotteries
Minorities
Native Americans
Science, Technology, Communications
Sports and Recreation
State government-Indian relations
State laws
Web sites

Summary:
action_date: 2006-02-16
text: 
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibitions against interstate gambling. 
 
Modifies the definition of &quot;wire communication facility&quot; to include all communications, including transmissions by satellite or microwave using fixed or mobile connections (e.g., the Internet or other wireless communications). Expands the definition of &quot;bets and wagers&quot; to include all forms of gambling activity.
 
Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit anyone engaged in a gambling business from using a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) a communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers; or (3) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. Imposes a five-year prison term for violations.
 
Prohibits anyone engaged in a gambling business from accepting in connection with the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations.
 
Exempts certain instrastate gambling activities.
 
Requires any common carrier who is notified in writing that a user of one of its communication facilities is violating prohibitions against interstate gambling to discontinue service to such user.
 
Authorizes federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement agencies to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief to restrain persons from violating prohibitions against interstate gambling.

action_date: 2006-07-10
text: 
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to expand the definition of &quot;wire communication facility&quot; (renamed &quot;communication facility&quot;) to include fixed or mobile (i.e., wireless) communication facilities. 
 
Defines &quot;bets or wagers&quot; to include bets for contests, sporting events, games predominantly subject to chance, and lotteries. Excludes from such definition: (1) activities governed by securities laws; (2) transactions under the Commodity Exchange Act; (3) over-the-counter derivative instruments; (4) contracts of indemnity or guarantee; (5) contracts for life, health, or accident insurance; and (6) reward programs or contests conducted by businesses.
 
(Sec. 3) Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit the use of a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers; or (3) a communication that entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. 
 
Prohibits any individual from accepting, in connection with the placing of bets or wagers to or from the United States: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations. 
 
Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for violations. 
 
Requires any common carrier that receives a notice of a violation of this Act by one of its communication facilities to discontinue or refuse service to such facility. Grants such common carrier immunity from liability for discontinuing or refusing such service.
 
(Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Justice in FY2007-FY2010 for investigations and prosecutions of unlawful Internet gambling. 
 
(Sec. 5) Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to prohibit any activity allowed under the Interstate Horseracing Act or to preempt any state law prohibiting gambling. 
 
(Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of Congress that this Act does not address the legality of certain horse racing activities under federal law.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2006-09-22
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 405.
action_date: 2006-09-22
text: Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
action_date: 2006-09-22
text: Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
action_date: 2006-09-15
text: House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 22, 2006.
action_date: 2006-07-10
text: Referred sequentially to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for a period ending not later than Sept. 15, 2006 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(f), rule X.
action_date: 2006-07-10
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on 109-552, Part I.
action_date: 2006-07-10
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on 109-552, Part I.
action_date: 2006-05-25
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 11.
action_date: 2006-05-25
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2006-05-03
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2006-05-03
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2006-04-05
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2006-03-31
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2006-02-17
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E191-192)
action_date: 2006-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2006-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2006-02-16
text: Introduced in House