Anti-Gambling Florida Chamber Says Good Riddance to ‘Bad Bet’ Internet Cafes

The Florida Senate followed the Florida Houses lead Thursday, voting in favor of a ban on Internet cafes.

The bill will now go to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott, since the House approved it last week. While some senators argued that the ban would overreach and take out senior arcades with it, the bill received a vote of 36-4.

The Florida Chamber, which has been a leader in opposition of gambling expansion in Florida, commended lawmakers for what they called a bad bet for Florida.

"For far too long, strip mall casinos have deteriorated Floridas quality of life, said David Hart, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber. Today, the Florida Senate joined the Florida House in banning Internet cafes, and took a major step toward improving the state where we live, work, and play. The Florida Chamber thanks Sen. John Thrasher, President Don Gaetz, Rep. Carlos Trujillo and Speaker Will Weatherford for moving quickly to prohibit Internet cafes in Florida.