iGaming prohibition passes Florida Senate

Legislators in Florida have passed a proposed measure last week that would ban all gaming at Internet cafes with Republican Governor Rick Scott subsequently announcing that he intends to sign the prohibition into law. "There is nothing in this bill that is going to close down legitimate businesses," said Senator John Thrasher, the sponsor of the bill. "This is about closing down unscrupulous operators who have found loopholes in the statutes."

However, critics including the Florida Arcade Association have disagreed and argue that the text of the bill will possibly impact more than 200 senior and children’s amusement centres throughout the southern state.

The move comes three weeks after federal and state investigators charged 57 people associated with Allied Veterans of the World, which operated 48 cafes in Florida, as part of a racketeering enterprise. While claiming itself as a veterans charity, investigators said, Allied took in us$ 300 million — and gave just us$ 6 million to charity. The investigation also caused the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, who had served as a consultant for the group while she was in the House.

But the move to quickly ban these facilities, which said they offered "sweepstakes" games, also swept up other gambling establishments in South Florida like senior arcades — which offer small-bet machines and pay off in Visa or Publix cards - and maquinitas, basically corner stores or gas stations with a few computers in the back.

“Forcing arcade customers to only use a coin and not a dollar bill to start a game and prohibiting customers from redeeming points for a retail gift card could mean bowling alleys, malls, airports, restaurants, skating rinks, movie theatres and retail stores will feel the impact of this measure,” said Gale Fontaine, President for the Florida Arcade Association. “Seniors and children are being punished despite following the rules and providing a safe place for entertainment.”