; not gamblers

‘Sweepstakes cafes’ arrive in PBC, Treasure Coast

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Posted: 07/06/2011

By: Dan Corcoran

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Critics refer to them as ‘convenience casinos.’ More and more, these sweepstakes cafes are springing up in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Some say the cafes promote gambling. But cafe owners say they offer customers a chance at winning cash on the spot without breaking any laws.
“These, literally, are growing like weeds around the state,” said Longwood Republican State Rep. Scott Plakon.
Strip mall storefronts across our area are quickly being transformed into internet or ‘sweepstakes’ cafes, or what critics refer to as ‘convenience casinos.’ They’re all about drawing you in with the possibility of walking out with big bucks – hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars.
“I don’t know, it’s just an internet game. It’s just relaxing for me,” said customer Gene, who declined to give his last name. Gene and others are visiting these ‘sweepstakes cafes’ in increasing numbers. “Yeah, there is quite a few of them around the county,” he said.
We contacted half a dozen different local cafes. The owners refused to speak publicly about the growth of this unique industry. Employees say some customers will play games for hours. Owners wanted to make the distinction that this is not gambling – it is gaming. “Ask them what they think they are doing there and I think you’ll find that they’re gambling,” said Rep. Plakon.
When asked if there was any difference between gambling and what he was doing inside a Greenacres sweepstakes cafe, Gene replied “No, not really. I don’t think so.”
Customers show their identification to become a member. They buy points, then log on to the web to play games. You can play until your points run out. Whatever points remain can be redeemed for cash before leaving. This is different from what is offered at local ‘arcades’, where gift cards – not cash – are given to winners.
These ‘sweepstakes cafes’ are popping up closer to home. Several have opened their doors in neighborhood strip malls including Jackpot Unlimited on 10th Avenue North in Greenacres. The cafe sits between a laundromat and a Veterans Affairs center.
“Call it what you want, it’s the same results,” said Dick DiGregorio who directs the C.A.R.E Addiction Recovery Center in North Palm Beach. “It looks like an internet cafe or coffee shop, low key. But boy it’s dangerous,” he said. DiGregorio said 40% of clients at his center are pathological or compulsive gamblers. He said he’s not against gambling, but does have worries about the easy access ‘sweepstakes cafes’ can provide. He says, for some people, this can be a dangerous game. “Pass the time while they’re waiting for their laundry. Try it a little bit. Some will cross over; some won’t,” he said.
State Rep. Plakon has reintroduced a bill that would eliminate what he calls “simulated gambling” in internet cafes. “Having 500 storefront casinos in our state right next to the dry cleaner is a problem that needs to be solved,” said Plakon.
Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam said the laws surrounding such cafes need clarification. “It’s important that all the parties involved have a clear sense of what the public policy direction should be.” Putnam believes the legislature needs to clarify Florida law so his agency can deal with the across the state.
There are arcades that have been here for years that often give customers gift cards when they win. Now, there is an increase in these “sweepstakes cafes” which offer cash winnings.
Next page: List of ‘sweepstakes cafes’

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