(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General DeWine today sent letters to more than 600 internet cafes informing them of the June 27th deadline to file new affidavits under the extended statewide moratorium of new sweepstakes establishments. Senate Bill 115, which established the new registration requirements and extended the moratorium, was signed yesterday by Governor John Kasich.
“These affidavits will provide valuable information to the Attorney General’s Office and to local law enforcement to enforce Ohio’s gaming laws,” said Attorney General DeWine. “I thank Governor Kasich and the General Assembly for keeping and strengthening this moratorium as we prepare for House Bill 7 to become effective.”
Senate Bill 115 extended the current moratorium on new sweepstakes establishments by one year, until June 30, 2014. The law requires the existing operators of sweepstakes terminal machines to file new affidavits with the Attorney General’s Office by June 27th. The law specifies specific information that must be provided on the affidavits, which must be on a specific form and notarized.
House Bill 7, which would effectively ban sweepstakes terminal gambling, is expected to be signed by Governor Kasich. Barring referendum, the law would become effective 90 days thereafter.
Attorney General DeWine stated his office would post a listing of the new affidavits filed on the Attorney General’s website once compiled after the deadline. A list of establishments that filed affidavits in 2012, as well as the affidavit form to be filed by June 27th, is available at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/SweepstakesAffidavits.
–30–
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840