(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any public utility knowingly to furnish to any person or corporation any private wire for use or intended for use in the dissemination of information in furtherance of gambling or for gambling purposes. Any contract shall constitute prima facie evidence that such private wire will be used in furtherance of gambling or for gambling purposes if it shall appear in such contract, or otherwise, that such private wire will be used, is intended to be used or has been used for the dissemination of information pertaining to any horse-racing, race track, race horse, betting, betting odds or any information relative thereto.
(b) Burden of proof.--In any proceeding before the commission under this chapter and in any hearing or proceeding on appeal, the burden of proof shall be on the public utility and the person or corporation contracting for such private wire to show that the private wire has not been used, or is not being used, or is not intended for use in the furtherance of gambling or for gambling purposes.