Wednesday, October 18, 2006

The port security bill that President Bush signed Friday included a
provision severely restricting internet gambling. The law forbids American
banks and credit card companies from processing online bets. It's been tough
to enforce, but lawmakers say the new provision will take a big chunk out of
the soaring Internet gambling industry. Americans account for half the
online gambling market. The National Football League was among those backing
the measure, while some banking groups lobbied against it. Some
international online gaming companies began folding up their U.S. operations
after the president signed the measure.