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Cmte Financial Services (R)
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Bachus Statement on Illegal Online Gambling Legislation

WASHINGTON, May 6 -

- Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL), the top Financial Services Committee Republican, issued the following statement on legislation introduced today that would allow illegal online gambling criminals to prey upon America's youth:

"Illegal off-shore Internet gambling sites are a criminal enterprise and allowing them to operate unfettered in the United States would present a clear danger to our youth, who are subject to becoming addicted to gambling at an early age. If you put a computer in a teenager's bedroom, or in a student's dorm room at college, it's a temptation that many fall prey to. In fact, studies have shown that the earlier one begins gambling, the more likely it is he or she will become a compulsive problem gambler.

"In the 109^th Congress, Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass commonsense, bipartisan legislation aimed at combating criminals from preying upon American's youth. That legislation was supported by a broad coalition that included college presidents, the American Bankers Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and major sports organizations."

NOTE: Click HERE to view a 60 Minutes special entitled "How Online Gamblers Unmasked Cheaters." Also, click HERE and HERE to view Post articles highlighting the scams surrounding online gambling.

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