Press Releases

Bachus Statement on Illegal Online Gambling Legislation


WASHINGTON, May 6, 2009 -

- 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 109th 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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