COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor John Kasich is expected to sign two bills restricting Internet cafes, which some say are illegal betting parlors.
The Ohio Senate yesterday passed a measure shutting down 600 cafes statewide and the House approved a measure strengthening an existing moratorium and extending it for one year.
“I applaud the actions of both chambers of the General Assembly to make clear the distinction between legitimate sweepstakes and the illegal gambling taking place at internet cafes across Ohio. This clarity will make it easier for local law enforcement to enforce Ohio law,” said Attorney General Mike DeWine.
DeWine and other supporters of the measure say the Internet, or sweepstakes, cafes are illegal gambling establishments, while the cafe owners say they’re being pushed out by casino lobbyists.