Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts and concerns regarding Internet gambling. I appreciate your thoughts on this matter.
Senator John McCain of Arizona introduced S. 718, the amateur sports integrity act on may 14, 2001. This legislation prohibits the use of the Internet to place, receive, or send information on gambling. Legislation with a similar provision, HR 556 is on the legislative calendar of the House.
INSERT(Since, being passed by a Voice vote and sitting in the Senate)
Regulating on-line gambling is a very specific and unique measure, and must not endanger the future growth and creativity if the Internet. Some gambling web sites are shams or illegitimate companies that can scam individuals out of their hard-earned savings and provide no opportunity for recourse or to collect their winnings. One example of such a case was documented by the HBO channel and exposed the story of a young man who won a total of $35,000 betting on sporting events over a 6-day period. After 6 months of trying to track down the company the young man finally gave up and was never able to collect his winnings. However, HBO investigated the case and went to Aruba where the company claimed to be located. In non-regulated countries, bookies or gambling operations are not obligated to pay winners because there is no one to enforce and regulate them. After an extensive search process the company was actually located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and ran the operation out of a home, which is illegal under Pennsylvania law.
I realize that many individuals are sensitive to government intervention and regulation of the Internet regardless of the issue. However, these bills merit consideration because of their unique concern for those individuals who were victims of sham operations like the example described above. When considering Internet regulation, the congress should proceed cautiously – balancing protections for free speech, privacy and continued technological advancement with targeted responses to harmful activities by some. Rest assured, I will keep your views in mind should similar legislation regarding the Internet before the Senate this year.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I value your input and I hope you will continue to keep me informed of issues that are important to you.
Best wishes
Senator John McCain of Arizona introduced S. 718, the amateur sports integrity act on may 14, 2001. This legislation prohibits the use of the Internet to place, receive, or send information on gambling. Legislation with a similar provision, HR 556 is on the legislative calendar of the House.
INSERT(Since, being passed by a Voice vote and sitting in the Senate)
Regulating on-line gambling is a very specific and unique measure, and must not endanger the future growth and creativity if the Internet. Some gambling web sites are shams or illegitimate companies that can scam individuals out of their hard-earned savings and provide no opportunity for recourse or to collect their winnings. One example of such a case was documented by the HBO channel and exposed the story of a young man who won a total of $35,000 betting on sporting events over a 6-day period. After 6 months of trying to track down the company the young man finally gave up and was never able to collect his winnings. However, HBO investigated the case and went to Aruba where the company claimed to be located. In non-regulated countries, bookies or gambling operations are not obligated to pay winners because there is no one to enforce and regulate them. After an extensive search process the company was actually located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and ran the operation out of a home, which is illegal under Pennsylvania law.
I realize that many individuals are sensitive to government intervention and regulation of the Internet regardless of the issue. However, these bills merit consideration because of their unique concern for those individuals who were victims of sham operations like the example described above. When considering Internet regulation, the congress should proceed cautiously – balancing protections for free speech, privacy and continued technological advancement with targeted responses to harmful activities by some. Rest assured, I will keep your views in mind should similar legislation regarding the Internet before the Senate this year.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I value your input and I hope you will continue to keep me informed of issues that are important to you.
Best wishes
