A "tentative deal has been reached" in the U.S. House
of Representatives on a "bitterly fought bill to ban most
forms" of Internet gambling, "clearing the way for a floor
vote as early as next week," according to John Broder in a
front-page report in the N.Y TIMES. Backers of the bill,
which "attempts to curb one of the fastest-growing
activities on the Internet, wagering on casino-style games
and sporting events," said that the "chance for passage" in
the House "appeared good." The measure would "require" ISPs
"to block access" to gambling sites. The bill is supported
by horse racing interests, who "successfully lobbied for an
exemption" from the prohibition. The exemption would allow
the horse racing industry "to build nationwide closed-
circuit betting networks" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/14).
OWNERS WATCHING? In DC, Eric Pianin reports that the
U.S. Senate "signaled its intent" yesterday to repeal the
federal estate tax (see THE DAILY, 7/10), "joining the House
in trying to eliminate what has been for decades one of the
key elements" of a progressive tax system "designed to
impose the greatest burden on the rich." But the future of
the bill "remains in doubt," as President Clinton has
threatened to veto the bill (WASHINGTON POST, 7/14).
