Gaming/sprotsbetting prohibition bill set to pass House tomo

[freeman]

Gaming/sprotsbetting prohibition bill set to pass House tomorrow

HR 2143 is set to pass on the House suspension calendar tomorrow. I'm not expecting Senate action on this bill (the Leach one is more dangerous if the House can pass it). 2143 would prohibit the use of most financial instruments for gaming/sports purposes. From the bill:


(1) RESTRICTED TRANSACTION- The term `restricted transaction' means any transaction or transmittal to any person engaged in the business of betting or wagering, in connection with the participation of another person in unlawful Internet gambling, of--

(A) credit, or the proceeds of credit, extended to or on behalf of such other person (including credit extended through the use of a credit card);

( an electronic fund transfer or funds transmitted by or through a money transmitting business, or the proceeds of an electronic fund transfer or money transmitting service, from or on behalf of the other person;

© any check, draft, or similar instrument which is drawn by or on behalf of the other person and is drawn on or payable at or through any financial institution; or

(D) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as the Federal functional regulators may prescribe by regulation which involves a financial institution as a payor or financial intermediary on behalf of or for the benefit of the other person.

[Dominique]

We have discussed this at length of course and we don't think this will pass.

[VPJunkie]

I sent my letter to my Rep. today! k: Several of us did.

[Dominique]

I did too!

[Spearmaster]

This current reading does not require anything but a simple majority. As much as I hate to say it, and as much as I have always predicted the bills in the past would fail, this one has a chance, and a big one, too.

I would highly recommend redoubling your mailing efforts right about now. Or else we'll have to count on the Senate to NOT pass it.

[freeman]

UPDATES

snagged a computer from a former associate so here's more of an update:

319-104 was the vote total.

One positive note that might help us is an amendment from Rep. Kelly that was passed:

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 108-145, which adds a new section 5 to the end of the bill consisting of a rule of construction clarifying that the bill should be read as leaving intact the substantive law with respect to gambling in the United States. It confirms that the bill does not change Federal, State or Tribal law in this regard.

An amendment seeking to exempt credit cards from the legislation failed.