Senate Gaming Panel on Internet Cafes: We're Going for the Outright Ban

Following a string of testimony from cafe and adult arcade owners, and from others for and against keeping Internet cafes in business, the Senate Gaming Committee unanimously advanced SB 1030 Monday, a bill that changes its version of a moratorium on Internet cafes to an out-and-out ban.

Committee Chairman Garrett Richter, R-Naples, set the pace by saying, "Internet sweepstakes have wiggled their way through loopholes long enough." His interest, he said, is in "reaffirming that gaming is illegal unless it has been legalized" -- and Internet cafe gaming has not.

The House Gaming Committee established its own bill banning Internet cafes on Friday.

The fast-moving issue comes in the wake of last week's arrest of individuals running a chain of the strip center arcades for alleged racketeering and money laundering, followed by the resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce already has issued a press statement reiterating its position, delivered before the committee Monday:

Today is the first of many steps in the right direction to stop the degradation of Floridas communities, said Adam Giery, the Florida Chambers director of education, talent and quality of life policy. "The Florida Chamber has been a longtime supporter of prohibiting Internet cafes, and we applaud the Florida Senate for taking action to improve Floridas quality of life.

More to come in Sunshine State News.