Officially, the bill President George W. Bush will sign Friday is aimed at
making the nation’s ports more secure. But the part that’s getting all the
attention is about Internet gambling. It includes a big crackdown on online
betting, which is already illegal in most cases. It’s been tough to enforce,
but lawmakers said the new provision will take a big chunk out of the
soaring Internet gambling industry. The amendment will stop gamblers from
using credit cards, checks and electronic transfers to cover their losses.
The National Football League was among those backing the measure, while some
banking groups lobbied against it.