Attorney General Mike DeWine Testifies in Support of Legislation to Regulate Internet Cafes

Senator Schiavoni listens intently as Attorney General DeWine testifies before the Government Oversight Committee

Today, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine testified in the Ohio Senate Government Oversight Committee in support of Senate Bill 317 sponsored by Senator Joe Schiavoni that will license and regulate sweepstakes terminal devices within the State of Ohio.

Under Senator Schiavoni’s proposed legislation, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will have the authority to license, regulate, investigate and penalize vendors and operators found to be operating illegally.  By licensing and regulating these operators, the legislation is intended to protect Ohio consumers from potential fraud.  The bill also gives local governments the authority to allow or (opt-in) to having sweepstakes operations within their jurisdictions; as well as the ability to levy and collect fees on these establishments. 

“I think this bill is a vast improvement to the status quo,” said Attorney General DeWine. I think it’s time that legislature took action.”