COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Richland County Council will discuss several new Internet sweepstakes cafes that have suddenly popped up around the county.
Officials told The State newspaper of Columbia that the issue will be on the agenda in June.
The cafes offer prizes like phone cards or Internet use to players who win a variety of games that resemble keno, poker or slot machines. The owner of one cafe compares it to McDonalds offering prizes to people who buy its food.
But state prosecutors say if McDonalds was told to stop the games, they would still sell cheeseburgers, while the cafes have no business but the games.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says he and state agents are watching the cafes closely. Lawmakers are also considering legislation that would shut the businesses down.
Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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