Last week, the software company Lucra Sports shared that it was working with the entertainment chain Dave & Buster’s to allow customers to place bets on their arcade games through its app. However, not everyone is on board.
Now, in response to the move from Dave & Buster’s, lawmakers in several states are working to try and ban the practice before it even begins.
A bill in the Illinois state legislature was filed on Thursday by state Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove) that would prohibit the family amusement chain from facilitating wagering on amusement games.
Didech is not stopping there, however, as he is also looking to criminalize the activity by amending the Illinois Criminal Code.
Both of his efforts have received bipartisan support.
“It is inappropriate for family-friendly arcades to facilitate unregulated gambling on their premises. These businesses simply do not have the ability to oversee gambling activity in a safe and responsible manner,” Didech said in a statement.
The Ohio board of gaming control has also begun looking into the news from Dave & Buster’s, as a spokesperson shared with CNBC that they are seeking more information before acting on their concerns.
“The Commission does have serious concerns about the proposal — including that it appears to violate Ohio law regarding the facilitating of illegal prizes for skill-based amusement machines,” the spokesperson said.
Dave & Buster’s and Lucra Sports have not yet commented on the response to its news.
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