Bill to ban Internet cafes goes before Senate subcommittee today

Bill to ban Internet cafes goes before Senate subcommittee today
By Jeff Burlew
Florida Capital Bureau

The Senate's Committee on Regulated Industries is taking up a bill (SB 428) today that would ban simulated gambling devices used by Internet cafes.

Similar legislation moved through a House subcommittee earlier this week.
Opponents of the businesses say nearly 1,000 Internet cafes have sprung up across Florida, leading to a host of social ills, including gambling addiction. Proponents say the businesses offer more than just gambling and provide several thousand jobs to Floridians.


The committee is also taking up a bill (SB380) that would regulate game promotions.