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Attorney General Mike DeWine - Regulating Electronic Sweepstakes and Skill-Based Amusement Games
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced he is recommending legislation to establish oversight of gaming that takes place at internet cafes and similar establishments. The proposal will address electronic games that look like slot machines, which can mislead players and cause confusion for law enforcement.
Working with State Representatives Nan Baker (R-Westlake) and Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills), who will sponsor legislation, the Attorney General's Office has developed a proposal to clarify the legality of electronic games for law enforcement and to provide assurance to Ohio consumers who want to play skill-based games or participate in sweepstakes or internet cafes that they are not being swindled.
Under the proposal, any skill-based amusement machine or sweepstakes machine would be required to:
- Undergo a pre-play certification process.
- Obtain a license issued by the Casino Control Commission and paid for by the applicant that certifies that the machines have been tested by an outside laboratory. The license would be required to be displayed for easy public inspection, and certification would be at the expense of the operator or manufacturer.
- Post stickers on each machine providing an instant verifiable sign to law enforcement and proving that the operator has a license and that each machine has passed inspection.
- Face criminal penalties for violating the licensing requirements.
Any Ohioan who has concerns about a questionable gaming operation in their area should contact the Attorney General's Office to file a complaint by calling 800-282-0515 or by visiting
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ConsumerComplaint
Working with State Representatives Nan Baker (R-Westlake) and Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills), who will sponsor legislation, the Attorney General's Office has developed a proposal to clarify the legality of electronic games for law enforcement and to provide assurance to Ohio consumers who want to play skill-based games or participate in sweepstakes or internet cafes that they are not being swindled.
Under the proposal, any skill-based amusement machine or sweepstakes machine would be required to:
- Undergo a pre-play certification process.
- Obtain a license issued by the Casino Control Commission and paid for by the applicant that certifies that the machines have been tested by an outside laboratory. The license would be required to be displayed for easy public inspection, and certification would be at the expense of the operator or manufacturer.
- Post stickers on each machine providing an instant verifiable sign to law enforcement and proving that the operator has a license and that each machine has passed inspection.
- Face criminal penalties for violating the licensing requirements.
Any Ohioan who has concerns about a questionable gaming operation in their area should contact the Attorney General's Office to file a complaint by calling 800-282-0515 or by visiting
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ConsumerComplaint
March 17, 2011