Skip to main content
S 474 105th Congress Senate Crime and Law Enforcement Common carriers Computer crimes Computer networks Congress Congressional reporting requirements Electronic data interchange Extraterritoriality Fines (Penalties) Gambling Government Operations and Politics Injunctions International Affairs Internet Internet service providers Jurisdiction Law Lotteries Negotiations Science, Technology, Communications

Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997

Introduced: March 19, 1997 See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 10 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 23, 1997
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 223.
Oct 23, 1997
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Oct 23, 1997
Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Oct 9, 1997
Committee on Judiciary. Committee consideration and Mark Up Session held.
Jul 28, 1997
Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, Government. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-182.
May 9, 1997
Referred to Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, Government.
Mar 19, 1997
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Mar 19, 1997
Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, Government. Hearings held prior to introduction and/or referral. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-122.
Mar 19, 1997
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2560-2561)
Mar 19, 1997
Introduced in Senate
 Ask about this bill AI · grounded in the bill text

Have a question about what this bill does? Ask in plain English; the answer is drawn from the bill's actual text and official record, and it'll tell you when something isn't in the text rather than guess.

AI answers can be imperfect; always confirm against the full bill text.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide penalties against any person who, while engaged in the business of betting or wagering, knowingly uses a communication facility for the transmission or receipt in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or wagers, information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, or a communication that entitles the transmitter or receiver to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers. Provides a smaller penalty for those engaging in such activities who are not in the business of betting or wagering. Provides prohibition exceptions.

Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission to enforce against interstate computer service providers regulations prohibiting the interstate or foreign transmission of gambling information. Authorizes injunctive relief against such carriers or providers.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Government should have extraterritorial jurisdiction over the transmission to or receipt from the United States of gambling information as well as any communication that entitles the transmitter or recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers.

Requires a report from the Attorney General to the Congress concerning the enforcement of such gambling regulations and related recommendations and information.

What's happening now October 23, 1997

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 223.

 Bill text 2 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 474: Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-474/
MLA
"S. 474: Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-474/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 474, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-474/.
Markdown link
[S. 474: Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-474/)
Report a problem