Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1998
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (6 Aug 1998): Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
What this bill does
This bill, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1998, would amend federal criminal law to prohibit knowingly using the Internet or similar interactive computer services to place bets or wagers. It would also prohibit sending or receiving information that assists in placing bets or wagers. Penalties would include fines and imprisonment. Exceptions are outlined for certain state-authorized lotteries, racing, or parimutuel activities, as well as some lawful bets made on Indian lands under specific conditions.
The bill specifically targets individuals and entities engaged in a gambling business using the Internet. Courts would be authorized to issue permanent injunctions against such activities. The bill also grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction to oversee these cases, allowing the Attorney General and State Attorneys General to bring proceedings. It includes provisions for court orders and injunctions against Internet service providers, detailing scope and limitations, while also protecting privacy by not creating an obligation to monitor service use.
This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 1998 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been debated, amended, or voted on by the full House or Senate, nor has it been signed into law. The bill also requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to submit reports to Congress three years after enactment on enforcement issues, methods for filtering transmissions, and the economic and societal costs of illegal Internet gambling.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit, and set penalties for, knowingly using the Internet or any other interactive computer service to: (1) place, receive, or otherwise make a bet or wager with any person; or (2) intentionally send, receive, or invite information assisting in the placing of a bet or wager. Prohibits, and sets penalties for, knowing use by a person engaged in a gambling business of the Internet or any other interactive computer service to: (1) place, receive, or otherwise make a bet or wager; or (2) send, receive, or invite information assisting in the placing of a bet or wager. Authorizes the court, upon conviction of a person and as an additional penalty, to enter a permanent injunction enjoining the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of a bet or wager. Lists exceptions, including certain State lottery, racing, or parimutuel activity and certain lawful bets or wagers that are made on Indian lands or conducted in accordance with an applicable Tribal-State compact. (Sec. 4) Grants the U.S. district courts original and exclusive jurisdiction to prevent and restrain Internet gambling violations by issuing appropriate orders. Authorizes the U.S. Attorney General and State Attorneys General to institute proceedings under this section. Sets forth provisions regarding orders and injunctions against Internet service providers, including scope of relief, considerations in the exercise of equitable discretion, findings, expiration of injunctions, expedited proceedings, privacy protection, and continuous court jurisdiction. (Sec. 5) Requires a report to the Congress by: (1) the Attorney General regarding enforcing Internet gambling provisions and regarding the amount of money being used for Internet gambling; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce regarding methods for filtering and screening transmissions in violation of this Act originating outside of a State or the United States, the effect of injunctions imposed pursuant to this Act on interactive computer services and the Internet, and the economic and societal costs of illegal Internet gambling.
Timeline
6 Aug 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4350 do?
- This bill, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1998, would amend federal criminal law to prohibit knowingly using the Internet or similar interactive computer services to place bets or wagers. It would also prohibit sending or receiving information that assists in placing bets or wagers. Penalties would include fines and imprisonment. Exceptions are outlined for certain state-authorized lotteries, racing, or parimutuel activities, as well as some lawful bets made on Indian lands under specific conditions. The bill specifically targets individuals and entities engaged in a gambling business using the Internet. Courts would be authorized to issue permanent injunctions against such activities. The bill also grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction to oversee these cases, allowing the Attorney General and State Attorneys General to bring proceedings. It includes provisions for court orders and injunctions against Internet service providers, detailing scope and limitations, while also protecting privacy by not creating an obligation to monitor service use. This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 1998 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been debated, amended, or voted on by the full House or Senate, nor has it been signed into law. The bill also requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to submit reports to Congress three years after enactment on enforcement issues, methods for filtering transmissions, and the economic and societal costs of illegal Internet gambling.
- Has H.R. 4350 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4350. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4350?
- H.R. 4350 was sponsored by Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] (R-FL), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4350?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime. (6 Aug 1998).
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