From Deseret News archives:
House Net vote buoys Utah's gambling ban
The bill passed 317-93 Tuesday and changes the Wire Act of 1961 which bars gambling over wire communication to include the Internet. Lawmakers want to stop the $12 billion online gaming industry, which is expected to jump to $24 billion by 2010. Most of the gaming companies are located overseas.
"Gambling, whatever form it takes, is dangerous, but Internet gambling is especially pernicious," said Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah. "Because gambling sites lack reliable age verification tools, children of any age can easily access the sites and begin gambling in their bedrooms."
Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, also voted in favor of the bill.
During a House committee vote in May, Cannon offered an amendment that specifically states nothing in the Internet gambling ban can pre-empt state laws that prohibit gambling. It was approved by voice vote, making it part of the bill the House approved Tuesday.
"After years of work, we have a bill that prohibits Internet gambling and protects Utah," Cannon said at the hearing.
"I wouldn't let federal law allow that," Cannon said at the mark-up of the bill.
The bill bans Internet gambling. But another amendment offered by Cannon and other lawmakers clarified the language to say nothing in the bill affects the Interstate Horseracing Act. Betting on horses is governed by its own law and the Justice Department supported the amendment so the bill would not affect the relationship between the horse statute and other federal laws.
That could have allowed online bets to be placed from Utah, but Cannon's amendment on no pre-emption of state law bars the exception from allowing those bets to take place.
If the bill becomes law, it would not target U.S. citizens placing bets online but rather the "fly-by-night" overseas companies that operate poker, roulette, slot and other gambling sites, according to its authors.
It also directs the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve to create regulations that prevent financial transactions stemming from Internet gaming sites.
The Senate will need to approve the bill before it can become law.
E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com
Comments
- Sandy annexation put on hold 11:53 p.m.
- Mental tests ordered for suspect 11:52 p.m.
- Provo man charged in death of baby 11:51 p.m.
- Joseph and Hyrum, true gentlemen 11:49 p.m.
- Toning up spiritual muscles 11:49 p.m.
- 3A playoffs: Tigers vs. Miners 11:49 p.m.
- Mormon Media Observer 11:49 p.m.
- PCC: A 'flop that flipped' 11:49 p.m.
- Man denied bail in shooting of officer 11:47 p.m.
- Fugitive finance chief found in Vegas 11:47 p.m.
- Utah group finds homes for orphans
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
- Y. tight ends talented tandem
- Jazz blow big lead, hang on
- Utes get extra motivation
- Senators want food tax restored
- Hair-pulling raises more questions
- BYU soccer incident still popular
- Lobo land like home for BYU lineman
- U. hopes to keep clicking
- House passes health care bill
263 - TCU showdown has big implications
188 - Lobo suspended
185 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Senators want food tax restored
149 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
105 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
104 - RSL rallies to advance
103
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants nationwide will honor...
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
If Jerry studies "game tape" he will see how to beat the Celtics, see Phoenix...
This headline is deceptive. The Church is not kowtowing on "gay rights" and...
Suspend her for half of next season. Fine the coach/school for not taking...
So, is this going to help her social life?
While I do not agree with Bob Bennett on everything, I do agree that the way...
"hee hee hee hee" Maybe it is coaching? nooooooo.....
Right there with you guy.
There were no FLDS people on the jury. I'm sure the prosecution made...
You go guy. So true.
once mankind makes contact with intelligent life on another world its going...



You can be the first to comment on this story.