Judiciary committee sends sweepstakes-machine ban to the floor after debate on owners' input

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send to the floor a bill aimed at closing a perceived loophole that has allowed Internet sweepstakes machines to operate in some venues. The committee recorded a favorable report on Senate Bill 3 by a vote of 17–2.

The subcommittee chair told the committee the measure clarifies that Internet sweepstakes machines are not legal in places that sell alcohol and seeks to reconcile conflicting magistrate rulings and statutory language in Title 12 (the state video-gambling prohibition) and Title 61 (alcohol). He said law‑enforcement witnesses including SLED and the Attorney General's office told the subcommittee that the machines are illegal and that seizures of machines had been upheld in magistrate courts.

Senators pressed for more public input. One senator said owners and operators of the machines were not present at the subcommittee hearing and asked that the committee carry the bill over so the industry could be heard. The subcommittee chair and other members replied the change had been vetted previously, noted that houses and courts had addressed the issue, and argued the bill would stop creative loopholes that reintroduce machines functionally akin to banned video poker.

Committee members cited law-enforcement testimony that SLED had seized a substantial number of machines and asserted magistrate rulings have generally upheld seizures. The debate included concerns about timing and fairness to business owners; one senator said he'd received contacts from owners who wanted a chance to be heard. The committee ultimately advanced the bill with the understanding that a separate, comprehensive effort addressing other sweepstakes issues could follow.

The committee’s favorable report will go to the Senate floor for further debate.