State House approves bill barring sweepstakes parlors
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HARRISBURG -- The state House of Representatives today unanimously approved a measure to prohibit businesses from offering "sweepstakes" contests that mimic casino games.
Lawmakers says businesses are appearing that sell pre-paid long-distance phone cards or vouchers for Internet time, which customers then use to play virtual games to win cash. Offering games such as video poker, many options are identical to those offered at nearby casinos.
The bill, sponsored by Reps. Randy Vulakovich, R-Shaler, and Tina Davis, D-Bucks, passed the chamber by a vote of 196-0.
Such storefront gambling cafes have popped up in Western Pennsylvania this year, according to lawmakers and news reports.
"It's an industry that's unchecked and unregulated," Mr. Vulakovich said after the vote. "We don't even know how many there are in Pennsylvania."
The measure now awaits consideration by the state Senate.
First Published October 25, 2011 12:45 pm
