Some say Internet Cafes hurting Ohio casinos

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Some state officials in Ohio think that storefront gambling-style operations known as Internet cafes might be one reason why casinos in Ohio aren't generating as much tax-revenue as predicted.

The Columbus Dispatch (http://bit.ly/Y1Kwcn ) reports gross casino-tax revenue is likely to be $900 million short over two years.

That means less money than expected for cities, counties and schools.

Ohio's attorney general wants state lawmakers to crack down on Internet cafes where customers pay for Internet time or phone cards and use them to bet points on computers loaded with games such as poker.

A lobbyist who represents a company that provides phone cards and computer software for the businesses says the sweepstakes operators are being used a scapegoat for the casinos' lower-than-expected revenue.

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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com