Chuck E. Cheese Busted For Gambling? New Florida Law Prohibits Gaming Machines For Prizes[VIDEO]

According to new law in Florida targeting Internet cafe sweepstake gambling operations, there's an ongoing argument that some Chuck E. Cheese games involve gambling and are therefore illegal.

The new law outlaws video gambling machines, as well as small coin-operated games of chance seen in kid friendly restaurants, such as Chuck E. Cheese.  Prizes that include merchandise worth more than 75 cents are outlawed, putting the gaming business in jeopardy.

Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez's officials confiscated 72 machines in cafes and arcades that aren't legal under the new law that was signed into effect by the governor last month. But he's reluctant to go after the kiddie arcade games at places like Chuck E. Cheeses and Dave & Busters. The bill was intended to target the games at Internet cafes and arcades that are catered to senior citizens.

"I'm not going to go arrest Chuck E. Cheese in front of a bunch of 6-year-olds," Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez told the Miami Herald. 

"As we understand it, this legislation is not intended to target restaurant and entertainment companies such as Dave & Buster's, Disney and others who operate games of skill," April Spearman, vice president of marketing for Dave & Buster's, a franchise that has games that could be confiscated in the new law, told the paper.

She said, "While we continue to believe this legislation should not impact us, we are working with local law enforcement to understand the new law and ensure we are in full compliance."

At Chuck E. Cheese kids purchase 25 cent tokens and play games for prizes that can be worth up to $20.  The competition amongst kids more better prizes can promote gambling.

Two years ago, San Diego mother Denise Keller claimed that Chuck E. Cheese games could turn kids into habitual gamblers. She sued the chain for $5 million because the games promote illegal gambling.

Her lawyer, Eric Binink, told the Union Tribune at the time: "We don't think that children should be exposed to casino-style gambling devices at an arcade."

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