He was at the café to call public attention to what he believes is a need for legislation that regulates Internet sweepstakes cafés like Lucky’s. “When consumers go in there, they have absolutely no clue what the payoffs are,” DeWine said.
Internet sweepstakes cafe sell Internet and or phone minutes that customers can use to play games online that may have a cash reward.
Some area jurisdictions have put restrictions in place to keep these types of cafés out of their communities or have delayed the issuing permits. Among those are Liberty Twp., Middletown, Monroe and Springboro.
DeWine estimated that there are hundreds of these facilities in the state.
In April, DeWine announced his support for legislation introduced by state Reps. Marlene Anielski, R-Walton Hills, and Nan Baker, R-Westlake, to establish oversight of gaming that takes place at Internet cafes and similar establishments. The bill addresses electronic games that look like slot machines, which can mislead players and cause confusion for law enforcement.
The legislation will require:
•Machines to undergo a pre-play certification process.
•Operators to obtain a license issued by the Casino Control Commission and paid for by the applicant that certifies that the machines have been tested by an outside laboratory. The license would be required to be displayed for easy public inspection, and certification would be at the expense of the operator or manufacturer.
•A sticker proving that the operator has a license and that each machine has passed inspection would be required to be posted on each machine, providing an instant verifiable sign for law enforcement.
•Criminal penalties for violating the licensing requirements.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kelli.wynn@coxinc.com.
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