The past few years, local governments have seen a proliferation of Internet gambling operations due to the decision of the Florida Legislature not to take action. Although Orange County has strong ordinances and provisions in the County Charter to prohibit traditional forms of gambling in our community, web-based technology has created a new crop of gambling enterprises that have attempted to circumvent government ordinances by opening “simulated gambling” establishments under the name “internet cafes”. They’re also known as “strip mall casinos” or “sweepstakes centers.”
Operators offer paid time to play video devices on computers similar to casino-style slot machines with the enticement that playing these games is entry into pre-determined “sweepstakes” and chances to win cash and prizes. The predetermined “sweepstakes” are a game of chance for which the gambling enterprises earn substantial profits in an unregulated environment. Operators have testified to generating revenue of more than $100,000 a week. Operators claim profits from the pre-determined “sweepstakes” are going to help charities such as Veteran’s group, but generally these charities only receive a small fraction of the profits, if any. These “internet cafes” are a continuation of the efforts of the gambling industry to circumvent the laws of the state of Florida. Because operators who offer simulated gambling have large amounts of cash on site and stay open late, these types of cafés have become targets for crime creating a public safety issue.
Virtual gambling should be viewed in Orange County the same as other forms of gambling with regard to the safety and well being of those who engage in it and our community values. Orange County has a long history of opposing casino-type gambling enterprises, which does not fit with our work ethic and values. Based upon our investigation of this matter, this gambling activity tends to victimize and prey upon the lower income individuals in our communities that can least afford losing rent and food money to the lure of sweepstakes, gambling and easy winnings.
As a result, at my request, Orange County, similar to Seminole County and Maitland, has moved forward to strengthen and clarify language on simulated gambling within Orange County’s ordinances. In addition, I have requested the Charter Review Commission to consider an amendment to the County’s Charter to make the prohibition of simulated gambling countywide. If approved by the Charter Commission, this initiative will appear on next year’s ballot during the 2012 election cycle. Plans are under way to have the County’s Charter Review Commission review ballot language so that the citizens of Orange County have an opportunity to vote on this important issue.
As always, my staff is available to answer questions and offer any other assistance. Feel free to contact Dana Boyte or Lynette Rummel at 407-836-7350 or email district5@ocfl.net
Yours truly,
Commissioner Ted Edwards