Illegal Gambling Internet Cafe

AZ Internet Cafe was allegedly conducting operations that gave patrons access to play and wager using suspected illegal gambling devices, as well as create and use individual online user accounts. Internet cafes offer slot-machine-style games on a computer, but the difference between these places and a real casino is that no money is exchanged – only points that build up. But once the internet cafe does payout in cash, it becomes illegal gambling and violates state law. A lawyer for three businesses operating internet cafes argued the ban illegally violated free-speech rights by restricting video games central to the cafes, but U.S. District Judge Brian Davis was.

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Internet café shut down for alleged illegal gambling

SPRING HILL FLORIDA – It’s game over for the owners of an internet café engaged in illegal gambling, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say the business was giving out cash payments to customers for their winnings. Illegal gambling is a problem that officials say is becoming more common.

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But customers who frequent Butter’s Place in Spring Hill say it’s the kind of place most people go to for a good time.

Internet cafes offer slot-machine-style games on a computer, but the difference between these places and a real casino is that no money is exchanged – only points that build up.

But once the internet cafe does payout in cash, it becomes illegal gambling and violates state law. It’s what Butter’s Place is accused of doing, but some who patronized the business disagree with shutting it down.

“If they can have all these things for the men along the whole highway here why can’t they have this for the senior citizens,” said former customer Donna Bayshore.

HCSO officials explain the business had been at the center of an undercover operation. They say it’s the second time deputies have had to raid and then close down the internet cafe for illegal activity.

“We’re not just there to ruin their fun we’re there to uphold the law,” said HCSO Sgt. Scott Lamia. “On the inside, it looks like all fun and games but there’s a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes that are illegal money laundering, fraud.”

Over the past several years officials say they’ve closed around a half dozen businesses for giving illegal payouts.

“They can’t give money out they can’t even give gift cards out,” said former internet café owner Terry Kasberg.

Kasberg used to own an internet cafe in spring hill and says his business never paid anyone in cash. He thinks the state could do better at making sure illegal shops don’t pop up at all.

“Regulate them, charge a fee, permits and make some money on these things because the seniors love these places,” said Kasberg.

Posted in:Legal News

Tallahassee police arrested four people on gambling charges and seized cash and equipment in an internet cafe raid.

Officers on Tuesday served a search warrant at the Fun Arcade, 1164 Capital Circle Southeast. They arrested the on-duty employee and two patrons.

'This is the latest in ongoing efforts to combat these illegal gambling operations in Tallahassee,' TPD said in a news release. 'Investigators opened the inquiry acting on tips from the community that felt these cafes were damaging the quality of life in their neighborhood.'

In the last year, raids have led to more than a dozen arrests at multiple gambling operations

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Those arrested were Alaysja Burnley, 22, on charges of maintaining a gambling house, criminal use of personal information and fraudulent use of a credit card; and Catherine Norton, 73, and Verdell Hall, 57, on gambling charges.

Burnley, the cafe employee, had five outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court on petty theft charges. She also was charged with violating her probation.

Norton and Hall were given notices to appear in court rather than taken to jail.

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'Landlords and property managers should be aware that it is illegal to knowingly rent or lease property for the purposes of gambling,' the department said. 'TPD is committed to responding to complaints about quality of life issues impacting our residents.'

Gambling arrests in the last year:

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: TPD arrests three people in internet cafe gambling probe