Online Gambling Bill Might be Delayed in Senate

A anti- online gambling bill that aims to outlaw most forms of Internet gambling seems unlikely to get approval on the United States Senate before the senators go into a month-long recess on August 4, according to two Republican leadership aides, as said on Tuesday.

The bill was passed in the House of Representatives following a 317-93 vote. It seeks to prohibit banks and credit card companies to handle transactions that pertain to online gambling, except for state-run online lotteries and horseracing. The bill also gives authority to law-enforcement entities to work with ISPs in blocking access to gambling sites within the U.S.

The aides said that supporters of the legislation were trying to lobby for the support of the bill and resolve glitches as the Senate concentrates on other legislative matters and preps for a summer break.

The bill was not given priority as indicated by a list announced by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican. The bill was not included in a statement given by Frist in a session with reporters on Tuesday where he laid out measures that he hoped would be resolved before the August vacation.

Supporters of the legislation had hoped to push the bill in the Senate this month following the U.S. arrest of former BetOnSports CEO David Carruthers on charges of racketeering and conspiracy.