These establishments are able to offer certain gaming activities “through a loophole in state law that apparently allows for certain Internet-based gambling,” says Wilmington Police Department spokeswoman Lucy Crockett.
Crockett discussed the question with members of the police department vice unit. “At the time we looked into it, (one establishment) was selling cards to swipe at the online terminals. Losses and wins are debited or credited on the card. If the customer/gambler ends up with a balance on the card, the establishment pays the cash value on the card when the person is ready to leave.”
State gambling laws changed in December and enforcement issues are still being resolved, Crockett says. Police have been advised by the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office that cases out of establishments such as the one on Market Street are “not prosecutable” at this time, she adds.
Anyone with complaints about possible illegal gambling within city limits can contact the Wilmington Police Department at 343-3600.
Related link and update:
Raleigh Rewind – Film perks, a sweepstakes ban and new DNA laws
Date posted: August 12, 2009
User-contributed question by:
Anonymous
I don’t see the difference between the state run lotery and the sweepstakes rooms. They are both games of chance. Why would the state outlaw one while promoting the other. Could it be we need to follow the money trail again??