Legislation submitted by Republican Senator Jerry Denbo aims to prohibit gambling over the Internet.
House Bill 1172, proposed Monday in the Indiana House Public Policy, Ethics and Veterans Committee, outlines strict provisions pertaining to Internet gambling.
According to Senator Denbo, the proposed law would protect the state’s existing gambling businesses, including lottery, casinos and other gaming venues, which are losing money because of people staying home to gamble on the Internet.
Under the bill, anyone found guilty of placing wagers or participating in any form of Internet gambling would be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. A person convicted of a Class B misdemeanor can be sentenced to up 180 days in jail and fined as much as $1,000.
Senator Denby also cited concerns over minors who have access to the Internet and may be gambling, as well as adults who play games run by companies abroad.
Internet service providers would be required to end their services or block access to certain sites if they are notified by any law enforcement agency that their service has or will be used to promote or participate in professional gambling. Violators could be charged with a Class D felony. A person convicted of a Class D felony can be sentenced to six months to three years in jail and fined as much as $10,000.
“Until we can shut down these companies that run these gaming sites, we have to go after the service providers,” Denbo said. “But those providers acting in good faith would be exempt from any liability.”
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