Reports earlier this week that the anti-online gambling legislation
that Sen Jon Kyl and Rep Bob Goodlatte are trying to push through
Congress were confirmed Wednesday by other sources.
Reuters reported that prospects have dimmed for the fast U.S. Senate
passage Kyl hoped for as industry trade groups and lawmakers raise
objections.
Efforts to move the Goodlatte measure through the Senate have run
into opposition from lobbyists representing casino owners and horse-
and dog-racing interests in recent days. Some Republican senators
have broken ranks and placed "holds" on it, Senate sources
said.
"The House-passed bill is not going to pass the Senate,"
said one source who is knowledgeable about the legislation, adding
that changes must be made if it is to win sufficient support.
The industry is a major contributor to some congressional campaigns
and sources said opposition could stir up new trouble among senators
such as Republicans Jim Bunning and Mitch McConell of Kentucky or
Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada.
The bill would prohibit most forms of Internet gambling and make it
illegal for banks and credit card companies to make payments to online
gambling sites.