Don Gaetz: Ban of Predatory Internet Cafes will Pass

After the scandal caused by Allied Veterans of the World resulted in the resignation of former Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, it will also likely mean the end of Internet gaming cafes, as Florida Senate President Don Gaetz said Monday.

In reference to Allied Veterans reportedly claiming to donate 70 to 100 percent of its proceeds to charity, but in fact, only allegedly giving approximately 2 percent, the Republican of Niceville said, "This gross and cynical fraud highlights the flaws within Florida law pertaining to Internet cafes and has spurred action by our Legislature. On Monday, the Senate Gaming Committee unanimously voted to approve CS/SB 1030 which will ban these illegal, unregulated institutions.

"By clarifying current gaming laws concerning slot machines, charitable drawings, game promotions and amusement games, the bill closes loopholes that these predatory groups have crawled through, reportedly amassing hundreds of millions of dollars largely from elderly and vulnerable citizens. The legislation has strong bipartisan support throughout the Legislature and, thanks to the sponsorship of Senator John Thrasher, I believe the bill will pass."

The companion measure passed the full House on Friday.