Colorado to ban gaming venues

Certain gaming arcades could be banned soon if the Governor of Colorado signs a bill approved by both state chambers.

US.- Colorado House lawmakers passed a bill that would ban some sweepstakes arcades and sent the bill to Governor John Hickenlooper for final approval. Representatives voted 43-22 on the bill that would close a legal loophole that allowed shops to open outside Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek, where gambling is legal.

El Paso District Attorney Dan May, who testified for the bill, said: “These businesses advertise themselves as places where community members can win large amounts of cash. It’s clear that they sell opportunities to gamble.”

However, owners defended their operations and said their venues feature games of skill and are not gambling even if they offer cash payouts. Still, prosecutors and law enforcement argued that the devices they offer are very similar to slot machines and to the gambling industry.

“These operations prey on desperation, on those living paycheck to paycheck,” asserted Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez. In his district, at least two operations have been shut down by the police.

It is expected that the Governor will sign the bill into Law and the venues will be considered illegal beyond any reasonable doubt.