The world of US prohibition took another step forward as the House of Representatives passed a bill that would essentially rid the US of online gambling.

The bill, sponsored by republican Bob Goodlatte, was passed by a majority 317-93 and was largely backed by the usual suspects of conservatives and 'family value' advocacy groups who have probably never seen an online casino let alone know how to play in one (although they likely play in their local Indian casino). Apparantly online casinos prey on young people - unlike any other outlet no doubt.

Ultimately, it used a financial angle to stop any transfer of payments via online gambling sites into US financial institutions.

Critics of the Bill claim the best way to handle online gambling is to regulate it and many suggest the main reason for the outcome was a way of ridding Congress of the 'spectre' of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff who was influential in getting a previous online gambling bill killed.

Amusingly, Abramoff was interested in introducing state lotteries online - something this Bill excludes - as well as horse racing.

Its not the first time a bill like this has gone this far. But its never been passed by the Senate. And its unlikely there'll be much time before the year's end for the Senate to take it up this time either

Supporters of the bill, who include religious and "family values" advocacy groups, say online gambling sites prey on young people and gambling addicts, and that they are often money laundering fronts for organised crime and terrorist groups.

"This legislation provides real protection to American families from destructive and unlawful internet gambling," said Tom McClusky of the Family Research Council, a conservative advocacy group.

Bob Goodlatte, a Hourse Republican sponsor of the bill, blamed online betting for "moral decline". Jon Kyl, a Republican senator, lauded the bill's passage, saying internet gambling was as perniciously addictive as "crack cocaine".

The bill's opponents accuse Republicans of playing to socially conservative and religious voters ahead of the midterm elections in November, and say it would be impossible to enforce the measures without encroaching on civil liberties.

"What kind of socio-cultural authoritarianism are we practicing here?" asked Barney Frank, a Democratic congressman.

Article: US House passes bill to stamp out online gambling