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 cafes sell Internet and or phone minutes that customers can use to play games online that may have a cash reward.
Some cities have put restrictions in place to keep these types of cafés out of their communities or have delayed issuing permits. Some of the cities include Springfield, Trotwood, Butler Twp.,Tipp City, Middletown, Springboro, Miamisburg and West Carrollton.
Robert Dabish, who is the co-founder of the Player’s Club Internet Café and affiliated with the North Dixie business, told WHIO-TV that he also believes Internet cafés need to be regulated.
“I think that would be very good,” Dabish said. “As you can see, there are a lot of cafés that are popping up around here. A lot of them are really shady. It’s the best way to see who is legitimate and who is not.”
DeWine didn’t know how many of the cafés were in the Dayton-area but estimated that there are hundreds in the state.
“There is House Bill 195 that we’re working on and I am urging legislators to complete that action to get this law enacted, signed into law by the governor, so that we can begin to really assure the consumers of this state what they are getting when they walk into a place like this,” DeWine said.
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 preplay 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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