Ban on Internet “sweepstakes” cafes filed in House

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With legislation on destination casinos not expected this session, lawmakers may turn their attention to closing the pincers on Internet cafés.

Some lawmakers are hoping to shut down the electronic gaming facilities they say benefit from loopholes in current law, reports the News Service of Florida. On Monday, Rep. Carlos Trujillo filed a bill (HB 155), dubbed the “Electronic Gambling Prohibition and Community Protection Act.” The proposal attempts to differentiate between bona fide charitable gambling establishments and for profit “sweepstakes” operators that have sprung up around the state. The proposal also transfers oversight from the department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Peter Schorsch is the President of Extensive Enterprises and is the publisher of some of Florida’s most influential new media websites, including SaintPetersBlog.com, FloridaPolitics.com, ContextFlorida.com, and Sunburn, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. SaintPetersBlog has for three years running been ranked by the Washington Post as the best state-based blog in Florida. In addition to his publishing efforts, Peter is a political consultant to several of the state’s largest governmental affairs and public relations firms. Peter lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Ella.