State Senate Approves Amusement Games Bill
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - A bill that makes clear amusement games can continue operating at businesses such as Dave & Busters and Chuck E. Cheese's is headed to Gov. Rick Scott's desk.
By a vote of 39-1, the Senate approved a measure intended to clear up confusion created from legislation in 2013 that shut down Internet cafes. Bill sponsor Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, said the proposal makes it clear amusement game facilities will be able to operate "for years to come."
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, cast the lone vote against the bill.
The 2013 law was pieced together in response to a multi-state investigation into Allied Veterans of the World, which was accused of using Internet cafes to run an illegal gambling ring throughout the state.
But the law created questions for businesses that offer electronic games for amusement. The Senate vote Thursday came a week after the bill got unanimous support from the House.
It would allow games to be activated by currency, coins, slugs, tokens, and cards at select licensed arcade amusement centers, bowling alleys, truck stops, timeshare facilities, public lodging establishments, restaurants and veterans' service organizations. The payout in coupons or points is also upped from 75 cents in the 2013 law to $5.25 per play.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.