Internet gambling ban advances

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Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000 | 11:37 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PIERRE, S.D. -- It is already illegal under general law to run an Internet gambling business in South Dakota, but legislators agreed Monday that the stakes should be raised for those who may try.

The Senate State Affairs Committee approved a bill 7-2 that would single out Internet gambling businesses as illegal activities and provide penalties for violators.

Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon, sponsor of HB1110, said the bill would help ensure that Internet betting operations are not started in South Dakota.

If people can gamble in the comfort of their homes, using credit cards to make bets, it will cause all sorts of problems, he said.

"It's going to open up greater and greater stresses on our families," Hunt said. "It's going to open up greater indebtedness."

Charlie McGuigan, assistant attorney general, said the current penalty for operating an Internet gambling venture is a month in jail and a $200 fine. The bill would increase the penalty to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine; subsequent convictions could bring up to five years behind bars and a $5,000 fine.