Internet Cafes/Sweepstakes

“Cyber cafes.” “Sweepstakes parlors.” “Internet cafes.” They are known by different names, but these establishments exist in a legal gray area in most locations across the United States. They offer games of chance with prizes in conjunction with other services, such as Internet access or telephone cards.

Owners of these establishments often argue that what goes on is not “gambling,” but some state Attorneys General have taken notice – including Massachusetts and Ohio.

Sweepstakes Cafes Popping Up in North Carolina’s Low-Income Neighborhoods

This February 2010 article from North Carolina’s Independent Weekly highlights the fact that sweepstakes cafes are flourishing in the state – particularly in low-income and minority neighborhoods.

Sweepstakes Cafes – Coming to Your Low-Income Neighborhood (Article)

Sweepstakes Cafes – Coming to Your Low-Income Neighborhood (Graphic)

Internet Sweepstakes: Coming to a Strip Mall Near You

Internet sweepstakes cafes are popping up all over the country. One of the highlights from the article below is a quote from someone making big money in the sweepstakes industry on his customer base: “Lower-income customers are coming in because they’re bad at math…It’s like the lottery. The lottery is a tax on people who are bad at math. They’re coming in to try and catch a big break.”

Strip-Mall Casinos Multiply Across Nation