Study: Sweepstakes cafés could net N.C. millions

[ccharles000]

Raleigh, N.C. — As state lawmakers are weighing their options for closing a budget deficit of nearly $800 million, some are exploring taxing the wave of gaming parlors that have opened statewide in recent months.

The so-called sweepstakes cafés, which are sprouting up in strip shopping centers across North Carolina, sell players blocks of time to play games of chance on computers or cell phones. The odds are long, but players who win can get a cash payout.

Although opponents have compared the computer terminals in the sweepstakes cafés to video poker, recent court rulings have determined the businesses are legal.

Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gaston, said Wednesday that the state should consider regulating and taxing the gaming parlors.

"If it's a revenue source of any significant consequence, maybe it's something we have to look at," Hoyle said.

http://www.wral.com/news/local/wral_investigates/story/7591471/

[mzteris]

1. what a terrible idea.

I hope that gets quashed, but I won't hold my breath. NC used to have those slot parlors all over the place- including gas stations.

[Javaman]

2. I think this is one of those, "works well on paper", sort of things. nt