WASHINGTON – On July 11, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved--over NACS objections--legislation that would allow state lotteries to legally sell tickets directly to consumers over the Internet.

While NACS remains neutral to the underlying premise of the H.R. 4411, the "Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act," the bill does include language NACS opposes that would allow states lotteries to conduct intrastate Internet lottery sales.

"NACS objections were not enough to overcome the strong desire of Congress to close online casinos' and the House Leadership's desire to gain another pre-election legislative victory," NACS Senior Vice President of Government Relations Lyle Beckwith told NACS Daily.

During debate, Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV) offered an amendment that would have eliminated two provisions contained in the bill exempting lotteries and horse racing from the ban on Internet gambling. House Judiciary Chairman Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and H.R. 4411 co-author Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) both labeled the Berkley amendment as a "poison pill" to final passage; however, the amendment was defeated 114 to 297. Click here to find out how each representative voted on the Berkley amendment.

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) offered a motion to recommit H.R. 4411 to the House Judiciary Committee to strengthen prohibitions on underage access to Internet gambling sites. The motion, also considered a "poison pill" to final passage, was defeated by a vote of 167 to 243. Click here to find out how each representative voted on the motion.

To find out how each representative voted on final passage of H.R. 4411, click here.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where NACS will continue to work to close the Internet lottery loophole contained in the House-passed bill. Questions concerning this issue may be directed to Lyle Beckwith at lbeckwith@nacsonline.com or (703) 518-4220.