Thu Vo frequents the gaming parlors, playing almost everyday as a way to make some quick cash. "Some lucky days you walk out with a couple hundred. Average day, $40 or $50," says Vo.
With drawn shades and mirrored windows, what's really happening behind closed doors? Here's how it works: You buy a phone card and use the long distance minutes to play online games. You rack up "sweepstakes" points that then turn into cash.
The key word is "sweepstakes." The phone card gaming system meets the Ohio Revised Code's gambling laws. Technically, you aren't paying to play the games, and clicking the mouse doesn't involve skill, making the concept legal.
"It's all predetermined. They select a random game and terminal, and next thing you know you win the jackpot," says Brian Robinson, who manages Player's Club Internet Cafe.
Last November, a Toledo judge ruled the gaming operation at the East Toledo Player's Club is not gambling. So far, that is the only judicial ruling regarding sweepstakes café's in the entire state.
Since the decision, gaming parlors are opening all over. Here in the Toledo area, there are twelve sweepstakes centers, with more on the way. Robinson says there's no shortage of customers. He says up to 400 people visit the club on busy days.
"I like to gamble. It's relaxing for me," said sweepstakes player Joy Coffman. That's a common theme among players: using the cafes for social reasons.
The prizes also serve as a major incentive. "I've won a TV and an I-pod so far. I do pretty good and usually come out on top," claims Coffman.
But with the promise of jackpots and with people playing everyday, is this growing industry luring in customers? As long as it's legal, people like Coffman will keep coming back
The state attorney general has no plans to regulate the growing industry of internet sweepstakes gaming. In Cleveland, City Council has a moratorium in place to keep new sweepstakes cafes from opening. Right now, there are a lot of grey areas, leaving all enforcement and regulations in the hands of local government.
