Leach Anti Online Gambling Bill Launched

Published: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Online-Casinos.com

LEACH ANTI ONLINE GAMBLING BILL LAUNCHED

No more waiting for the other shoe to drop

After Senator Jon Kyl launched his latest attempt to ban online gambling in the USA ten days ago, industry observers waited for the other shoe to fall in the shape of Rep Jim Leach's latest attempt to ban online gambling in the House of Representatives. It is known that the staffs of the two politicians had earlier been in contact on the different Bills in order to smooth out any conflicts.

This week the suspense came to an end when the U.S. House Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (HR 4411) was scheduled for markup by the Committee on Financial Services. It is anticipated that the bill, introduced by Rep.Leach, will be reported and subsequently referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Committee markup is a very early stage of a bill's life, so there remains ample time for Americans to protest against this legislation to their political representatives. The legislation is one of eight bills marked for consideration this week by the full 70-member Financial Services Committee.

Kyl's Bill remains relatively dormant at this stage following the failure of his attempt to attach it to a lobbying refrom proposal last week (see previous Online-Casinos.com & InfoPowa reports) However, Kyl is a determined and resourceful campaigner, and his next move to bring his Bill before the Senate can be expected soon.