With little fanfare, Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill (HB 155) today that prohibits the electronic games used at Internet cafes and likely shuts down the industry that critics have likened to “storefront casinos.”
Scott’s office confirmed the bill signing, with additional details released later.
Critics have said Internet cafes offer games that are similar to slot machines.
The bill would not affect slot machines at state-approved pari-mutuel facilities and tribal casinos.
The proposal was shepherded quickly through the Legislature after an investigation led to raids last month at Internet cafes across the state and the arrests of 57 people.
The scandal also forced the resignation of former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, who in the past did consulting work for Allied Veterans of the World, a charity at the center of the investigation.
