Reid pushes bill to allow for online gambling

WASHINGTON -Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is pushing behind the scenes for legislation that would allow poker games over the Internet but would restrict initial licenses to established casinos and racetrack operators.

Some of the biggest casino operators in Reid's home state of Nevada are eager to get a piece of the online gambling industry, which generates an estimated $5 billion a year for offshore operators.

Four years ago, Congress effectively banned online gambling, passing legislation that prohibits banks and credit card companies from making payments to gambling websites.

Some Republicans in the House have written a letter asking Senate leaders not to pursue the legislation.

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