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What the hell is an internet "sweepstakes" cafe - and what's one doing on Frankford Ave?
What it appears to be is one of the increasingly-notorious Internet "sweepstakes" cafes (it's tough to know which words not to put in quotes), that have been on the radar of state lawmakers recently.
What the hell is an internet "sweepstakes" cafe — and what's one doing on Frankford Ave?
The folks over at the Fishtown.us forum have been wondering what, exactly, to make of an "Internet Cafe," that appears to be offering gambling, that recently appeared on the 1800 block of Frankford Avenue.
What it appears to be is one of the increasingly-notorious Internet "sweepstakes" cafes (it's tough to know which words not to put in quotes), that have been on the radar of state lawmakers recently.
A bill introduced in the Pa. House of Representatives by State Rep. Randy Volokavitch (Rep. Allegheny Co.) would make these so-called internet sweepstakes cafes illegal. It passed the House and is currently in a state Senate committee.
Apparently, these "cafes" represent a kind of loophole in many states' gambling laws. They sell "calling cards" that let gamblers play slot-like "games" (depending on how you define "game") online. This burgeoning little industry exploded in Florida, prompting some lawmakers there to attempt (and so far fail) to ban them. Businessweek has a great, in-depth story about that here.
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