Reuters New Media [IBM DB2] [ Yahoo | Write Us | Search | Info ] [ Index | News | World | Biz | Tech | Politic | Sport | Scoreboard | Entertain | Health ] _________________________________________________________________ Previous Story: Wired Summit Newsroom Echoes To Click Of Mice Next Story: Clinton Admin. To Offer Encryption Bill Shortly _________________________________________________________________ Thursday March 20 2:57 PM EST U.S. Bill To Ban Internet Gambling Introduced WASHINGTON - A bill to ban all forms of gambling on the Internet has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. "Given the tremendous potential for abuse, addiction and access by minors, online gambling should be prohibited," Sen. Jon Kyl, an Arizona Republican, said. He was joined by two other Republicans and three Democrats in offering the bill. Currently, only computer gambling on sports events is prohibited. The legislation would extend criminal penalties to companies who offer all types of computer gambling. Communications companies regulated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission would be required to discontinue services to any companies they carry that offer gambling. Kyl said the bill also eliminates ambiguity about the definition of bets and wagers to make any form of online betting illegal. The bill was introduced on the same day as the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about a 1996 law banning transmission of sexually explicit material on the Internet to anyone younger than 18. The Clinton administration argued that the law should be upheld to protect young children. Opponents said it violated free-speech rights of adult Internet users and should be found unconstitutional. A decision in the case is due by July. Copyright, Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved _________________________________________________________________ ________________________ ___________ Help _________________________________________________________________ Previous Story: Wired Summit Newsroom Echoes To Click Of Mice Next Story: Clinton Admin. To Offer Encryption Bill Shortly _________________________________________________________________ [ Index | News | World | Biz | Tech | Politic | Sport | Scoreboard | Entertain | Health ] _________________________________________________________________ Reuters Limited Questions or Comments