WASHINGTON – The U.S. House could take up Internet gambling legislation shortly after members return from the Independence Day recess, reports The New York Times.

"Gambling opponents are pushing for bills to put teeth into enforcement. In the House, proponents of a crackdown merged two bills," writes the newspaper, adding that House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) announced that the measure would come to the House floor this summer for a vote as part of the GOP's American Values Agenda of legislative initiatives.

Two pieces of legislation introduced by Reps. Jim Leach (R-IA) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) are likely to be combined for consideration by the House. This legislation would make it illegal in the United States to use a credit card, check or money transfer to make Internet gambling transactions and would penalize institutions "that act as intermediaries channeling money between the offshore gambling enterprises and American bettors," writes the Times, adding that the legislation would also update the Wire Act of 1961 to "prohibit Internet gambling specifically."

NACS has vigorously opposed Rep. Goodlatte's original language which provided exemptions from the prohibition for certain types of online gaming, including lottery. Some of these exemptions are expected to be preserved in the new bill.

"It will not be a perfect preclusive approach, but it will be pretty strong," Rep. Leach told the newspaper.

Rep. Leach added that poker players offered a "fairly persuasive argument" against the bill, but said he still believes there are not social benefits and few "happy aspects" to Internet gambling, as it gambling addictions can cause family problems and pose danger to underage players.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department "has always considered Internet gambling illegal," as Internet gambling continues to flourish in some form in as many as 80 countries, notes the Times.

NACS continues to oppose any attempts by Congress to allow the purchase of lottery tickets over the Internet and will keep its members updated on any new developments concerning online ticket sales.