US seeks to tighten web gambling laws

A new bill aims to extend existing laws which ban interstate telephone gambling

US politicians have launched a fresh bid to stop overseas internet gambling websites reaching American web users, according to the BBC.

The new bill being introduced in the House of Representatives aims to extend existing laws which ban interstate telephone gambling.

Rick Boucher, a Democratic member for Virginia, one of the main backers of the ban, said: "These internet gambling websites typically operate offshore and often serve as a prime vehicle for money laundering and other criminal enterprises."

The planned US legislation would prohibit a gambling business from accepting credit cards, cheques, wire and internet transfers, and would set a maximum prison sentence of five years for violations.

However the legislation, supported by the Democrats and the Republicans, could fall foul of a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling which states that the US must not block online gambling sites based overseas.

The WTO made the ruling last August in response to a complaint made against the US by the Caribbean island of Antigua, home to several internet betting sites.

Under that ruling, the US has until April to bring its legislation into line or face fines or tariffs. The US could, however, choose to ignore the ruling and put up with the sanctions.