Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Internet Sweepstakes Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate Judiciary Committee advances bill to bar sweepstakes gambling devices at alcohol‑serving establishments
Summary
After debate over notice and industry testimony, the Judiciary Committee gave a favorable report to Senate Bill 3, which clarifies that Internet sweepstakes machines are not legal at establishments that sell alcohol; law‑enforcement witnesses urged the fix amid contradictory magistrate rulings.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to give a favorable report to Senate Bill 3, a measure that would clarify the state’s prohibition on Internet sweepstakes machines and close a perceived legal loophole affecting alcohol‑serving establishments.
The subcommittee chair explained the bill would make clear that Internet sweepstakes machines — devices that sell Internet time and award sweepstakes entries redeemable for cash or prizes — are not permitted at bars, restaurants or convenience stores that hold alcohol licenses. The sponsor and law‑enforcement witnesses told the committee that recent magistrate rulings had created confusion about whether those machines circumvent the existing video‑poker prohibition in Title 12 by relying on Title 61 (alcohol statutes).
Committee members debated procedure and fairness. Several senators urged carrying the measure over so owners and operators could testify; one member said some industry participants received notice during the holidays and asked for an opportunity to be heard. Proponents pointed to seizures by SLED and the Attorney General’s office, telling the panel that seizure rulings had largely been upheld in magistrate courts and that the bill is a targeted fix to prevent creative loopholes.
A senator from Martinsburg said he opposed rushing the bill and argued the committee should allow additional public input; other senators responded that the same or similar language had been vetted in the prior session and that recent enforcement actions made prompt action advisable. The committee recorded a favorable report and will send the bill to the Senate floor; the committee tally on its record was 17 in favor and 2 opposed, and a minority report was signaled.
The measure, as explained in committee, focuses narrowly on alcohol‑licensed locations and does not change the legal status of sweepstakes in non‑alcohol venues; sponsors said a separate, comprehensive reform could follow if needed. Next steps are floor consideration and any additional amendments there.
