SC gov to 'happily' sign sweepstakes machines bill
SC governor says she'll happily sign bill that specifies sweepstakes machines are illegal
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A bill aimed at shutting down sweepstakes cafes in South Carolina will soon become law.
The House gave final approval Thursday to a bill specifying that sweepstakes machines are illegal video gambling.
The vote sends it to Gov. Nikki Haley. Her spokesman Rob Godfrey says she will happily sign it.
Godfrey says Haley believes South Carolina should not settle for such gambling because "our great state has too much going for it to sink to that level."
The measure is meant to close loopholes that business owners cite to operate so-called sweepstakes cafes.
State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel insists the machines already are illegal. He says the measure will make that clear to local magistrates who have issued conflicting rulings.
South Carolina banned video gambling in 2000.
