Internet cafes targetted in Orange County

The media in Orange County report that a recent shooting death at an internet cafe where devices similar to casino-style slot machines were set up has prompted County Commissioner Ted Edwards appeal for tighter rules empowering enforcement officials to take stronger action against such gambling outlets.
Edwards said that the cafes operated late at night and often had large amounts of cash on hand, presenting criminals with tempting targets among both staff and clientele.
“Virtual gambling should be viewed in Orange County the same as other forms of gambling with regard to the safety and wellbeing of those who engage in it and the lawless activity that surrounds it,” Edwards said in a memo entitled “Simulated Gambling” and addressed to mayor Teresa Jacobs this week.
“Based upon our investigation of this matter, this gambling activity tends to victimize and prey upon the lower income individuals in our community that can least afford losing rent and food money to the lure of sweepstakes and easy winnings.”
Edwards asked for changes to the county’s rules that would assist enforcement to take tougher measures against those establishments that encouraged virtual gambling.
Police in Orange County have recently been clamping down on internet cafes offering ‘sweepstakes’ virtual gambling, carrying out raids on many Vietnamese-American owned establishments and confiscating computer and other equipment.

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