Florida Arcade Association President Gale Fontaine claimed an “abuse of police power” by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for including in a handout that customers of now-banned strip center gaming businesses could face criminal charges.
“As we consider whether or not to pursue a lawsuit, FDLE’s poster could be used as exhibit A in our case to show why this law is misleading,” Fontaine stated in a release.
“A perfect example of how misleading and ambiguous this law is can be seen in FDLE’s use of the term ‘sweepstakes adult arcades.’ That terminology has never been used, and is not defined anywhere in Florida law. We believe this new law is ambiguous, confusing and ultimately will be ruled unconstitutional,” the release said.
On Thursday, the FDLE sent handouts and posters to law enforcement across the state to serve as notification of the new law – signed by Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday – that is intended to close Internet cafes and similar venues by banning the electronic machines uses by the businesses.
The FDLE handout says owners and employees of businesses that provide the unlawful games face third-degree felonies. Also, misdemeanor charges could be applied for the possession of the gambling devices and for simply playing the games.
