Alcee Hastings: “Mr. Speaker, today I have come to the floor to speak on behalf of H.R. 3125, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. As…”

“Mr. Speaker, today I have come to the floor to speak on behalf of H.R. 3125, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. As my colleagues may know, unregulated Internet gambling through virtual casino games has become a very lucrative business. These Web sites are not regulated, taxed or licensed by the States and are available to the public, including those who are underage and would not be allowed in an actual gambling facility, on the open Internet. New sites offering games such as blackjack and roulette crop up each day, and the industry has plans for major expansion next year if the issue is not addressed legislatively by Congress in this session. H.R. 3125 effectively addresses the problems created by these sites, clarifies Federal law, and gives the authorities the tools necessary to regulate Internet gambling activities. At the same time, the bill establishes a regulatory framework for Internet gaming activities that recognizes the leadership role that should be played by the individual States in regulating legal gaming activities they have already authorized.”