Congressman wants to learn more about Isle of Man online gambling regulations

Representative Jon Porter (R - Nev.) told Isle of Man government delegates while they were in Washington D.C. that he would like to learn more about Internet gambling and how the country regulates the industry.

The delegates were in Washington D.C. to meet with politicians, including congressmen, senators and members of the Ways and Means Committee to discuss online gambling and the country's concerns about legislation in the U.S. government aimed at banning it.

Isle of Man Home Affairs Minister John Shimmin, whose department regulates online gaming, attended the meeting and talked with Porter about how they regulate the industry. Shimmin said Porter was very interested in visiting the country to learn more.

Porter was one of the 93 in the House of Representatives who voted against the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act July 11, though it passed with more than 300 votes in favor.

In response to the bill passing in the House, Porter said, "The impact of Internet gambling reaches far and wide, which is why we need to have a comprehensive understanding of its effects, both socially and economically, before making any rash decisions about its future. Unfortunately, a majority of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle chose to move forward with an online gaming ban despite having limited information on this evolving technology. Regardless of today's vote, I will continue to drum up support for an Internet gaming study."

The Isle of Man and Porter may both get a little relief from their concerns about a possible online gambling ban. The Internet Gambling Prohibition Enforcement Act was not among the bills Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R - Tenn.) listed Tuesday as a priority for the Senate to vote on before it begins its month-long break starting Aug. 4.

There are also reports coming from the congressional aides that some Republican Senators have placed holds on the bills, and some Democrats may do the same thing. Any member of the Senate may place a hold on legislation, which prevents it from being brought up for a vote until concerns about the measure are resolved.

The bill may have to be amended in order to win enough support to pass in the Senate, in which case, it would have to go back to the House for them to approve an amended version as well before it can move on to the president. All of that would have to take place after the break and before members of Congress return to their districts to campaign for the November elections if the bill is to pass this year.

courtesy of Sarah Polson

News Added: 27 July, 2006

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