Attorney General Mike DeWine...
Moratorium on new Internet Cafes
Current establishments must be registered by July 11 

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Attorney General Mike DeWine said today that new state legislation now effective bans any new openings of electronic sweepstakes establishments, commonly called Internet cafes. It also places filing requirements on any Internet cafes operating as of today. 

“These places have popped up across Ohio and they have been unregulated,” said Attorney General DeWine. “This is a step in the right direction toward protecting Ohioans who play these games.” 

In addition to the moratorium on any new Internet cafes, House Bill 386 signed today by Gov. John Kasich requires that any existing Internet cafes must complete an affidavit containing their business information, locations, and additional information. 

The affidavit must be notarized and submitted to the Ohio Attorney General Charitable Law Section, 150 E. Gay St., 23rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio, 43215. All affidavits are due by July 11, 2012. 

A public listing will be compiled from submitted affidavits after July 11, 2012. The list will be available at the Ohio Attorney General’s website for use by consumers and law enforcement to ensure that new establishments do not open after the moratorium date. 

The new law also included changes to laws covering bingo, casinos, lottery terminals, and other related areas. New forms and processes are being put in place at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov regarding changes to bingo laws in the bill. 

A copy of the required affidavit can be found on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.