The House approved a bill to forbid credit cards and other similar forms of payment from being used to place Internet bets. The new legislation would clarify the current law by making clear that Internet gambling is illegal and would allow authorities and Internet providers to block the access to gambling Websites.

Supporters of the ban say the availability of online betting can create gambling addictions and financial problems. “It puts gambling in every living room, at every school desk and at every work station”, they say.

The bill was moved to the Senate whose leaders have not identified Internet gambling as a priority. However, Senator Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., the main supporter of the bill in that chamber, said he would pursue it aggressively.

Critics of the new legislation argue that it favors some gambling areas and it would be better to regulate the $12 billion industry and collect taxes on it.