Response from Senator Wyden

[BobJoeJim]

I just got a letter (old school snail mail style) in response to my email to Oregon Senator Ron Wyden. Looks like a form letter, but at least that means he has a form letter about this topic:
[ QUOTE ]
Dear friend:

Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns regarding Internet gambling. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you may know, Congressman Jim Leach of Iowa introduced the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, H.R. 4411, which would modify existing anti-gambling laws to prohibit gambling by any technological means of communication, including online poker, casinos, and sports books. This bill would also bar banks and credit card companies from processing payments for online bets and would prohibit gambling businesses from accepting credit cards and electronic transfers for online betting. This legistlation has passed the House of Representatives and now awaits further consideration in the Senate.

I have concerns that this legislation is mere window dressing. Most online gambling operations are overseas, outside the jurisdiction of U.S. law enforcement. Additionally, barring credit card operations and banks from facilitating online gambling is likely a futile exercise, as intermediary, overseas banks already are willing to act as middle men for money transfers. Should this bill or similar legislation come before me, I will keep your views in mind.

Again, thank you for keeping me apprised of your views. If I can be of any further assistance to you on this or other issues, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Ron Wyden
United States Senator

[/ QUOTE ]

Doesn't necessarily sound like he's in favor of online gambling, but he does sound like he might be on our side of this particular bill, though he was slightly more noncommittal than I would have liked.