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Judiciary committee backs bill to bar sweepstakes‑style machines in alcohol‑serving establishments
Summary
After testimony from law enforcement and the attorney general’s office, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 17–2 to report a bill clarifying that internet sweepstakes machines are illegal in alcohol‑licensed establishments; some members urged more industry input before final floor debate.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to report favorably a bill intended to close a perceived loophole that has allowed internet sweepstakes machines to operate in some establishments that serve alcohol.
Subcommittee testimony summarized by the bill’s presenter said magistrate rulings in some counties had created confusion over whether machines that sell "internet time" and award sweepstakes entries are covered by the state's video‑poker prohibition (Title 12) or the alcohol code (Title 61). Law‑enforcement witnesses, including representatives of SLED and the Attorney General’s Office, told the committee that seizures of such machines had been upheld in magistrate court, and they urged statutory clarification.
Why it matters: The bill aims to make explicit that sweepstakes machines are not legal in bars, restaurants or convenience stores that sell alcohol, closing a gap that proponents said law enforcement has repeatedly flagged.
Committee discussion: Subcommittee chair (Senator from Aiken) described how the machines operate and said, "there is no loophole" in the statutory scheme the bill would close. Several senators urged delaying the bill to allow owners and operators — some of whom had limited ability to participate during holiday subcommittee hearings — to testify; others, citing consistent agency opinions and SLED seizures, said the bill merely codifies law enforcement’s view and prevents new creative loopholes.
A committee member noted recent enforcement activity: "Chief Keel told us that every machine that had been seized by SLED when challenged in magistrate's courts ... they found them to be illegal gambling devices," a point the presenter used to justify the statutory fix.
Vote and next steps: The committee recorded a favorable report on the bill by a committee vote of 17 in favor and 2 opposed; a minority report by Senator Martinsburg was noted. The bill will move to the Senate floor for further consideration.
