Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Oct 1997): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 223.
What this bill does
This bill, S. 474, called the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997, would make it a federal crime to place, receive, or engage in the business of betting or wagering through the internet or any other interactive computer service. Violators could face fines and imprisonment.
The bill specifically targets individuals and businesses involved in online gambling. It also grants U.S. district courts the authority to issue orders, including injunctions, to stop violations. The Attorney General is authorized to initiate these proceedings, and State attorneys general can also do so under certain conditions.
Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to negotiate international agreements with other countries to help enforce these prohibitions on those gambling from outside the United States. The Secretary of State would also be required to report on the progress of these negotiations to Congress. The bill has been ordered reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, meaning it has advanced to the next stage in the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for: (1) placing, receiving, or otherwise making a bet or wager via the Internet or any other interactive computer service in any State; and (2) engaging in the business of betting or wagering through the Internet or any such service. (Sec. 4) Grants the U.S. district courts original and exclusive jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to institute proceedings under this section, and the district court (upon application of the Attorney General) to enter a restraining order or an injunction or take any other action necessary to prevent a violation if the court determines that there is a substantial probability that such violation has occurred or will occur. Authorizes a State attorney general, or other appropriate State official, to institute proceedings under this section under specified circumstances. Sets forth provisions regarding temporary restraining orders, hearings, and permanent injunctions. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) negotiate with foreign countries to conclude international agreements that would enable the United States to enforce specified provisions of this Act with respect to persons engaging in violations from outside the United States; and (2) report on the progress of such negotiations to specified congressional officials.
Timeline
23 Oct 1997
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 223.
Common questions
- What does S. 474 do?
- This bill, S. 474, called the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997, would make it a federal crime to place, receive, or engage in the business of betting or wagering through the internet or any other interactive computer service. Violators could face fines and imprisonment. The bill specifically targets individuals and businesses involved in online gambling. It also grants U.S. district courts the authority to issue orders, including injunctions, to stop violations. The Attorney General is authorized to initiate these proceedings, and State attorneys general can also do so under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to negotiate international agreements with other countries to help enforce these prohibitions on those gambling from outside the United States. The Secretary of State would also be required to report on the progress of these negotiations to Congress. The bill has been ordered reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, meaning it has advanced to the next stage in the legislative process.
- Has S. 474 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 474. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 474?
- S. 474 was sponsored by Sen. Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] (R-AZ), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 474?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 223. (23 Oct 1997).
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