H.R. 4777: Internet Gambling Prohibition Act

109th Congress · introduced 2006-02-16 · Crime and Law Enforcement · Latest: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 405.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2006-02-16 · official record
Who proposed it: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 405. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Internet Gambling Prohibition Act

Plain summary

Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to expand the definition of "wire communication facility" (renamed "communication facility") to include fixed or mobile (i.e., wireless) communication facilities. Defines "bets or wagers" to include bets for contests, sporting events, games predominantly subject to chance, and lotteries. Excludes from such definition: (1) activities governed by securities laws; (2) transactions under the Commodity Exchange Act; (3) over-the-counter derivative instruments; (4) contracts of indemnity or guarantee; (5) contracts for life, health, or accident insurance; and (6) reward programs or contests conducted by businesses. (Sec. 3) Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit the use of a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers; or (3) a communication that entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. Prohibits any individual from accepting, in connection with the placing of bets or wagers to or from the United States: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for violations. Requires any common carrier that receives a notice of a violation of this Act by one of its communication facilities to discontinue or refuse service to such facility. Grants such common carrier immunity from liability for discontinuing or refusing such service. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Justice in FY2007-FY2010 for investigations and prosecutions of unlawful Internet gambling. (Sec. 5) Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to prohibit any activity allowed under the Interstate Horseracing Act or to preempt any state law prohibiting gambling. (Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of Congress that this Act does not address the legality of certain horse racing activities under federal law.

Congressional Research Service summary (Reported to House amended, Part I), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Internet Gambling Prohibition Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Reported to House amended, Part I)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] · 146 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: H.R. 4777, Internet Gambling Prohibition Act (2006-06-26); CBO cost estimate: H.R. 4777, Internet Gambling Prohibition Act (2006-06-26)

Cosponsors on this site

Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and 86 more.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (3)

Appropriation: Money a legislature sets aside by law for a specific purpose. Government agencies may spend public money only as it has been appropriated.
Rulemaking: The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.
Securities: Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Reported to House amended, Part I)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-109hr4777.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/109/hr>

Record fed-us-cong109-hr4777 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong109 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong109