Second vote sought, membership urged to respond

On July 17, the House voted 245-159 in support of H.R. 3125, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. Despite garnering the majority of votes, the bill failed to obtain the two-thirds support required by a special process that would have expedited the legislation's passage.

The bill was strongly opposed by a number of special interest groups, including the Internet gambling industry, libertarians and those arguing against a provision related to the treatment of parimutuel betting. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Virginia, chief sponsor of the bill, is working to get another House vote. That vote would require only a simple majority for passage.

H.R. 3125 prohibits Internet gambling in the U.S., including online wagering on sporting events and casino games. Nearly four years ago, the National Association of Attorneys General approached members in the Senate and House urging them to address wagering on the Internet. The Attorneys General were concerned about the circumvention of existing state and federal laws by off-shore Internet gambling companies. Presently, law enforcement is relying on a 1961 federal law aimed at prohibiting sports gambling over the telephone. However, the law does not adequately address gambling over the Internet.

Though the Senate unanimously passed a similar Internet gambling bill last year, there are fewer than 25 legislative days remaining before Congress adjourns. The House must take action on H.R. 3125 and then a conference agreement between House and Senate conferees must be forged before the bill is forwarded to the President.

The NCAA strongly supports H.R. 3125 and urges member schools to contact their congressional delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives asking for their support. The NCAA will continue to work with supporters in hopes of enacting legislation before the 106th Congress adjourns in early October.