Number of Ohio Internet cafes with games tops 770
Count by AG's office shows over 770 Internet cafes with games in Ohio after late confirmations
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The late submission of more than 100 affidavits increases the count of Ohio Internet cafes or "sweepstakes" businesses to more than 770.
The state originally estimated there were fewer than 300 of the largely unregulated businesses, which offer games functioning like slot machines with cash prizes. Customers pay for Internet time or phone cards and use them to bet points on computers loaded with games such as poker.
A law that created a one-year moratorium on new Internet cafes required the businesses to submit affidavits confirming they exist.
Attorney General Mike DeWine says records submitted after the deadline raised the count to 772. His office is concerned some are from facilities not currently in operation that may try to skirt the law.
DeWine is pushing to regulate the businesses more.
