Dear Ken:
Thank you for contacting me regarding internet gambling. I appreciate your concerns and value the opportunity to respond.
Internet gambling can be an addictive habit that destroys individual financial lives and families. It is estimated that Americans will bet $5.9 billion on Internet gambling this year nearly half of the worldwide total of $12 billion. Numerous gambling websites currently fail to block access by children, lack effective safeguards against fraud and afford a tempting opportunity for organized crime and money launderers. As the father of three children, I understand the desire to ensure that children are protected from gambling websites.
As you may be aware, the recent house measure, H.R. 4411, passed with strong bi-partisan support of 317-93 and has the support of numerous sports organizations including the NFL, the NBA and Major League Baseball. Additionally, 49 State Attorneys General, including Virginia, support this legislation as a means of affording effective tools to law enforcement agencies to protect our children and to protect legal, responsible online users. Specifically this measure will:
- Clarify the Wire Act of 1961 to reflect current technology including the use of the Internet and other wireless communication devices;
- Regulate and prevent money transactions and payments related to illegal Internet gambling including illegal offshore companies beyond the criminal jurisdiction of the United States;
- Authorize the injunctions against individuals or companies who facilitate illegal Internet gambling; and
- Encourage international law enforcement cooperation in tracking and ending illegal gambling and related money laundering schemes.
<b>I have also heard from a number of constituents who have expressed concern over this and similar measures. Please know that I will keep your thoughtful comments in mind should this measure come before me on the Senate floor.</b>
Thank you for taking the time to contact me and please do not hesitate to contact me again about issues important to you. If you would like to receive an e-mail newsletter about my initiatives to improve America, please sign up on my website (<http://allen.senate.gov). It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate, and I look forward to working with you to make Virginia and America a better place to live, lean, work and raise a family.
With warm regards, I remain
Sincerely,
Senator George Allen :+whipping
Thank you for contacting me regarding internet gambling. I appreciate your concerns and value the opportunity to respond.
Internet gambling can be an addictive habit that destroys individual financial lives and families. It is estimated that Americans will bet $5.9 billion on Internet gambling this year nearly half of the worldwide total of $12 billion. Numerous gambling websites currently fail to block access by children, lack effective safeguards against fraud and afford a tempting opportunity for organized crime and money launderers. As the father of three children, I understand the desire to ensure that children are protected from gambling websites.
As you may be aware, the recent house measure, H.R. 4411, passed with strong bi-partisan support of 317-93 and has the support of numerous sports organizations including the NFL, the NBA and Major League Baseball. Additionally, 49 State Attorneys General, including Virginia, support this legislation as a means of affording effective tools to law enforcement agencies to protect our children and to protect legal, responsible online users. Specifically this measure will:
- Clarify the Wire Act of 1961 to reflect current technology including the use of the Internet and other wireless communication devices;
- Regulate and prevent money transactions and payments related to illegal Internet gambling including illegal offshore companies beyond the criminal jurisdiction of the United States;
- Authorize the injunctions against individuals or companies who facilitate illegal Internet gambling; and
- Encourage international law enforcement cooperation in tracking and ending illegal gambling and related money laundering schemes.
<b>I have also heard from a number of constituents who have expressed concern over this and similar measures. Please know that I will keep your thoughtful comments in mind should this measure come before me on the Senate floor.</b>
Thank you for taking the time to contact me and please do not hesitate to contact me again about issues important to you. If you would like to receive an e-mail newsletter about my initiatives to improve America, please sign up on my website (<http://allen.senate.gov). It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate, and I look forward to working with you to make Virginia and America a better place to live, lean, work and raise a family.
With warm regards, I remain
Sincerely,
Senator George Allen :+whipping
