House approves bill saying machines are illegal

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The House has approved a bill that supporters say clarifies that sweepstakes machines are illegal video gambling.

The measure approved Wednesday is meant to close loopholes that business owners cite to operate so-called sweepstakes cafes. It requires another vote in the House. The Senate passed it earlier this year.

The vote comes a week after 50 people were arrested in South Carolina and other states as part of an investigation into a Florida-based charity accused of running gambling parlors with computer slot-machine-style games. Investigators say the group’s executives gave little to veterans and lavished millions on themselves.

Attorneys say the group ran legal sweepstakes, much like contests sponsored by fast-food restaurants or retailers.

That’s the same argument used by supporters of sweepstakes cafes in South Carolina.