Internet Gambling in the Crosshairs

More than 100 lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives are sponsoring a bill to prohibit online betting, playing poker, and other gaming activities.

The Internet Gambling Prohibition Act was first introduced to Congress in 2000, but failed. Co-sponsors Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Rick Boucher (D-Va.) blamed its defeat on lobbying efforts by Jack Abramoff on behalf of gambling interests, according to Reuters. The bill would update an existing ban on interstate gambling over telephone lines and outlaw the use of Internet technology to place bets. It would prohibit a gaming business from accepting credit cards, checks, and wire transfers for gambling transactions. The bill is online here.

Analyst discovers people prefer free content

By a greater than three-to-one margin, consumers told researchers they would prefer free on-demand TV programs with commercials than to pay $1.99 for shows without advertising. Craig Leddy, an analyst for Points North Group, an advertising and marketing firm, said "Consumers will get tired of having their credit cards charged $1.99 every time they download a rerun of CSI." Survey results found 62% said they would choose free content with commercials, while 17% said they'd pay for programs with no advertising. One out of five respondents were undecided. "In time consumers will see a mix of free, ad-supported, pay-on-demand and subscription options," Leddy added in a statement.

Windy City wants to be Wi-Fi town

The chief information officer of Chicago is asking for proposals to build a citywide wireless broadband system.

"The city won't invest or operate the service," Chris O'Brien said. "The service cannot be too expensive and must be universally available across the city." In comments to the Chicago Tribune, he said Wi-Fi access would benefit the public and improve the efficiency of municipal government as more functions involve greater use of technology. He cited Houston which is considering installing a parking-meter system which could accept credit cards. A request for vendor proposals will be issued in the spring and a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council is possible by autumn.

Podbridge inks podcasting ad sales deal

Podbridge Inc., a podcast audience measurement and advertising network service, said it has contracted with Ronning Lipset Radio to sell commercials for programming which can be played on portable media devices. Podbridge also formally announced it offers ad insertion in podcasts as well as the ability to track the number times a program is heard. The services require listeners to download a podcast player which includes the technology for measurement. RL Radio also sells ads for Yahoo's Launchcast (YHOO) , AOL Radio (TWX) , and Clear Channel Communications (CCU).