California's Supreme Court rules on 'Sweepstakes' internet gaming

The state Supreme Court in California made a landmark ruling on internet cafe ‘sweepstakes’ style online gambling last week, almost unnoticed in the celebrations over the federal Supreme Court’s recognition of gay marriage rights in the same timeframe.

The bad news for internet cafe operators who have used the ‘sweepstakes’ loophole is that the court has declared this practice illegal in California.

CBS reported Saturday that the ruling helps San Francisco’s ongoing legal drive to stop gambling at Internet cafes.

The city has been trying to eliminate this type of online gambling activity for at least two years, claiming that such establishments are usually accompanied by undesirable criminal elements in a neighbourhood..

Deputy City Attorney Victoria Weatherford, along with American Gaming Association spokesman Chris Moyer, applauded the State Supreme Court decision.