PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 405.
Congressional Research Service
Version 18 · Reported to House amended, Part I · Jul 10, 2006
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to expand the definition of "wire communication facility" (renamed "communication facility") to include fixed or mobile (i.e., wireless) communication facilities.
Defines "bets or wagers" to include bets for contests, sporting events, games predominantly subject to chance, and lotteries. Excludes from such definition: (1) activities governed by securities laws; (2) transactions under the Commodity Exchange Act; (3) over-the-counter derivative instruments; (4) contracts of indemnity or guarantee; (5) contracts for life, health, or accident insurance; and (6) reward programs or contests conducted by businesses.
(Sec. 3) Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit the use of a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers; or (3) a communication that entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Prohibits any individual from accepting, in connection with the placing of bets or wagers to or from the United States: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations.
Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for violations.
Requires any common carrier that receives a notice of a violation of this Act by one of its communication facilities to discontinue or refuse service to such facility. Grants such common carrier immunity from liability for discontinuing or refusing such service.
(Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Justice in FY2007-FY2010 for investigations and prosecutions of unlawful Internet gambling.
(Sec. 5) Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to prohibit any activity allowed under the Interstate Horseracing Act or to preempt any state law prohibiting gambling.
(Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of Congress that this Act does not address the legality of certain horse racing activities under federal law.
People & committees
Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] · R–VA
Legislative record
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Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 405.
Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 22, 2006.
Referred sequentially to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for a period ending not later than Sept. 15, 2006 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(f), rule X.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on 109-552, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on 109-552, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 11.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E191-192)
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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