Richland County Council Looks at Internet Sweepstakes Cafes

The rise of Internet sweepstakes cafes in Richland County will get a close look from County Council tonight.

Though the county has not decided whether it wants to attempt to ban the cafes, which many consider illegal gaming establishments, the Council will see what options it might have and county staff hope to get derive some policy direction going forward, according to this article in The State.

A handful of the cafes have popped up on Two Notch Road, and more are popping up across the state.

"At the cafes, customers buy Internet access or phone cards and are given chances to play video poker or slots to win prizes. The operators have argued their businesses are no different than McDonald’s offering game pieces in exchange for buying hamburgers or sodas," the article stated.

However, the state's Attorney General, SLED, and 5th Circuit Solicitor Dan Johnson believe the establishments are illegal. But so far, no definitive ruling has been made.