SC panel OKs bill restricting video gaming

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A legislative panel has approved a bill to restrict gaming machines that resemble video poker machines already banned under South Carolina law.

A Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Wednesday endorsed legislation clarifying that existing regulations on bingo and raffles do not allow any devices prohibited under the state’s video gambling ban.

The bill is an effort to eradicate new machines that police say are already prevalent around the state.

Video gambling was banned after a legal battle a dozen years ago. But new machines are being marketed as “sweepstakes” devices, selling a product like long-distance phone cards and then offering customers a chance to receive prizes.

Courts around the state have issued conflicting rulings on the legality of the new machines.

The bill now goes to the full Judiciary Committee.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP