The Cutting Edge / Technology News : House Panel Backs Bill to Ban Net Gambling

A House subcommittee voted 5 to 3 to ban sports and casino gambling via the Internet while shielding Internet providers such as America Online Inc., AT&T; Corp. and MCI WorldCom Inc. from liability. Under the measure, approved by the House Judiciary subcommittee on crime, it would be illegal to place or receive bets on the Internet. Anyone engaged in an Internet-based gambling business could be fined the value of a placed bet, or $20,000, whichever is greater, and could face up to four years in prison. A Senate panel has approved a similar measure.