Midlands Internet Cafes Raided, More Expected

NORTHEAST RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) — After an Internet cafe is raided in Northeast Richland County, where authorities say several computers were seized because they were used for gambling, the sheriff hopes similar businesses get the message and shut their doors, he says, before deputies have to do it for them. It’s a game Richland County authorities say they are being forced to play but are determined to win. Wednesday, they raided Cafe 21 in the Northeast, seizing several computers they say were being used for illegal gambling. They claim customers would purchase a phone card, giving them access computers and several games of chance, including poker and slots. Sheriff Leon Lott says it’s the new version of the old video poker slots. He says undercover deputies, over several months, confirmed gambling at Cafe 21. The owner, manager and one customer were cited. It is the beginning of a crackdown of so-called Internet cafes or sweepstakes cafes sweeping the county. Lott admits most of his manpower is dedicated to violent crimes, but claims modern-day video poker set-ups won’t be ignored. State and federal authorities are also assisting local agencies all over South Carolina. He hopes Cafe 21’s demise sends a message to other businesses. That may already be the case at A&C Business Center on Two Notch Road. The sign on the sweepstakes cafe stated it opened at 11:00am However, when we arrived around 11:30am, the doors were locked.