From The Hill – Lawmakers on Wednesday expressed broad agreement that more regulations are needed for online gambling.

A Senate panel on Wednesday derided out-of-date regulations that make it easy for almost anyone to bet money online without proving their identity.

“Shame on us if we don’t get something done on this because, when I think about the possibility for money laundering, terrorism, drug trafficking and the potential for children to get access to use the Internet as well as people to add to the addiction issue, I hope this is something that we move on very quickly,” said Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.).

Users of gaming websites are largely anonymous, which can allow criminals and terrorists to use the sites to hide the sources of their money.

Chuck Canterbury, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, told senators: “Organized crime is using offshore online operations to launder their profits. We also know that terrorist organizations are or could be using the same strategies to launder funds.”

“Congress needs to provide clarity and guidance on these issues,” Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) said. “If we do not, this illegal market will continue to grow where millions of consumers are put at risk and criminals can act freely.”