The trend among law enforcement officials over the past several years has been to seek out and raid Internet cafes. The cafes have become a popular front for illegal gambling operations, and it appears that is the case in five cafes that were raided on Thursday. The raids occurred in two separate states. Early Thursday, deputies in Palm Harbor, Florida, confiscated almost 200 computers and cash from Palm Harbor Internet Cafe, Southern Play Arcade, and Reel Fun. According to the St. Petersburg Times, no arrests were made in the raids, but they may still occur at a later date after the investigation is complete. Pinellas County sheriff’s were turned on to the investigation by neighbors who complained of Internet gambling taking place at the cafes. All of the establishments were sent a letter last year, detailing the law regarding illegal gambling, and the letter suggested the cafes should shut down or face possible investigation. In Richmond, Virginia, the Good Times Business Systems and 777 University Sweepstakes were raided by Richmond police and federal agents. A state law went into affect on July 1st, banning Internet cafes. A statement was made at the time that the law would be enforced strictly. The cafes raided on Thursday were the last two that were operating in Richmond since the law took effect. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that customers were detained inside the cafes and gambling devices were seized. Internet cafes have become popular amongst organized crime members as a way to offer illegal gambling. Customers typically would go into the cafes and buy Internet time, which would be placed on a credit card-type card. The cards could then be inserted into computers, where customers could pick from several casino-like games. In many of the cafes, the laws are followed and the owners give out prizes, not cash. In other cases, however, undercover officers have been paid in real money for their winnings. Dozens of states have started outlawing the cafes. After the economic recession, dozens of states turned to the casino gambling industry to help the state financially. As casinos started being built, law enforcement officials started paying more attention to the illegal gaming activity taking place.
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