New Bill Could ban Cybercafes

The House Speaker i.e. Robert A. DeLeo while addressing the issue of legalizing gambling slot machines located at the horse tracks is at the same time trying to strangle the online slot parlors. Speaking yesterday he said that there is a process underway to ban these cybercafés where gamblers often go to play slots online as well as other games. Gamblers in exchange win points in these games which can be redeemed in exchange for money at the joint.

Many of these operations resemble what looks like ordinary cyber cafes have sprung up in various locations such as New Bedford, Springfield and Fall River etc. His bill if it passes will prohibit these establishments from doing business by rendering it an offence to promote sweepstakes using an electronic machine. People who are found guilty will be fined something around $250,000 for every machine or 15 years in jail.

He released a statement in which he said that the owners of these places are taking advantage of patrons by scamming them which is unacceptable, which is why the law needs to be passed. The Attorney General has spent many months attempting to stop these joints from coming up and spreading and praised him for the effort.

The new legislation will do everything but stop short of banning the state lottery, bingo, charity gambling events and horse racing. While he is working to ban these cafes he is at the same time working to legalize gambling in casinos in Massachusetts alongside Therese Murray the Senate president.

DeLeo’s district includes East Boston has said that he wants the legalization to allow slot parlors at various horse tracks as in his opinion they would provide a good economic venue for the modern struggling racing industry. The legislature will debate the new gambling bills later in September post Labor Day.

This Article Was Written By Mike Johnson
July 18, 2011