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Florida Gaming Commission warns against legalizing internet cafes in Jacksonville

A Jacksonville City Council member has proposed legalizing adult arcades that use "simulated gambling" devices like this game shown in a 2013 file photo.
Bruce Lipsky
/
Florida Times-Union
A Jacksonville City Council member has proposed legalizing adult arcades that use "simulated gambling" devices like this game shown in a 2013 file photo.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission is warning that a proposal to legalize "adult arcades" in Jacksonville with casino-style electronic games could run afoul of the state's prohibition on slot machines in Duval County.

In a letter to city officials, the gaming commission says if Jacksonville allows the return of the electronic games after shutting them down in 2019, it could conflict with state law that bans slot machines in most of the state.

The letter prompted City Council member Garrett Dennis, who filed the legislation, to say he will defer his bill until city Office of General Counsel Jason Teal tells him "whether or not this bill contains illegal gambling."

Read the rest of this story at WJCT News partner The Florida Times-Union.