Lawmakers seeking to legalize online gaming say Prohibition didn't work with alcohol in the 1920s and it's not working with Internet gambling now.

The lawmakers are pushing Congress to approve long-shot legislation that would regulate and tax online gaming.

Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., told his colleagues during a congressional hearing on Wednesday that millions of Americans gamble on the Internet each day, despite laws to prevent it. Citing industry estimates, McDermott says they wager nearly $100 billion annually, generating an estimated $5 billion for offshore operators.

Opponents say there's no way Congress will go along with McDermott's proposal and made it clear they believe lawmakers have far more pressing issues to consider.