[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 156 (Tuesday, November 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         INTERNET GAMBLING BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2001

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Internet Gambling Bill introduced on November 1, 2001. This important 
legislation, authored by Representive Goodlatte, provides a much-needed 
update to existing law, which is no longer adequate to prohibit 
gambling on the Internet.
  Minors can easily use the Internet to access illegal content, 
including Internet gambling websites. This is a dangerous loophole to 
existing law. Gambling is a potentially addictive habit which should be 
restricted to adults.
  As technology continues to change the way we communicate and learn we 
must ensure that our laws change and adapt concurrently. Regulations 
previously used to prevent gambling over telephone lines are no longer 
sufficient to address gambling over the Internet, which increasingly 
relies on wireless communications. The Internet Gambling Bill 
modernizes existing law by bringing the current prohibition against 
interstate gambling up to speed with the development of new technology.
  This important legislation also defines gambling more specifically to 
include interactive games on the Internet, including poker and 
blackjack which are not clearly included in current law. Violations 
under the act are punishable by prison terms of up to five years.
  Gambling on the Internet has become increasingly prevalent in recent 
years. More than 650 Internet gambling websites operated just last 
year. In 1999, the total revenue associated with Internet gambling 
exceeded $1.2 billion, an 80 percent increase from the previous year.
  It is time to stop illegal gambling on the Internet. This legislation 
is an important first step.

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