Florida Governor Signs Anti-Sweepstakes Law

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The resignation of the lieutenant governor, $300 million money laundering, and racketeering activity that led to 57 arrests, spurred a fast-tracked new law against internet cafe-based 'sweepstakes' style gambling through the Florida state Legislature.

Florida governor Rick Scott has signed off on the law designed to clarify state law and shut down such operations. Following the signing, Scot said: "I think the House and Senate did the right thing to crack down on illegal gaming, especially in light of the Allied Veterans multi-state conspiracy."

Previously, Internet cafes operated under an ambiguity in Florida law allowing companies to offer sweepstakes as a promotion for selling another product, but the new statute will allow games of skill, not chance, limiting prizes to 75 cents per win.