Committee advances bill to bar internet sweepstakes machines at alcohol-serving businesses

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to report legislation aimed at closing a perceived loophole that has allowed internet sweepstakes machines—often resembling video poker—to operate in some alcohol-serving establishments.

Subcommittee members said law enforcement and the attorney general’s office asked the committee to clarify state law after inconsistent magistrate rulings. The bill, described by the subcommittee chair as a narrow fix, would make clear that such sweepstakes machines are not legal in bars, restaurants or convenience stores that sell alcohol.

Supporters pointed to law-enforcement seizures and testimony from SLED and the attorney general’s office. "Chief Keel told us that every machine that had been seized by SLED when challenged in magistrate's courts... the magistrate had sided with SLED, that they found them to be illegal gambling devices," a subcommittee member said while urging swift action. The committee record referenced more than 1,000 machines seized in recent enforcement actions.

Opponents and some senators urged caution and requested additional public input, saying owners and operators of the machines had limited opportunity to testify because some subcommittee work occurred during holidays. One senator asked that owners be heard before final action; proponents responded that the bill had been vetted previously and urged a prompt fix to avoid further proliferation.

Outcome: The committee recorded a favorable report and the tally was announced as 17 in favor and 2 opposed; a minority report was signaled by one senator. The bill will go to the full Senate for further consideration.

Next steps: The bill moves to the Senate calendar; sponsors said broader, comprehensive reforms could follow separate legislation if needed.