Florida bill to ban internet cafe gambling clears special house panel

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A special House panel has cleared a bill that would ban Florida gambling establishments commonly known as Internet cafes.

The House Select committee on gaming Friday voted 15-1 on a bill (HB 155) that was rewritten last night. Rep. Jim Waldman was the only vote against. The Coconut Creek Democrat said the committee hadn't had enough time to study the measure.

The bill still needs to clear the Rules committee before heading to the floor.

The action comes just days after revelation of an investigation into the Allied Veterans of the World charity at the center of an illegal gambling investigation.

The probe has resulted in nearly 50 arrests and the resignation of Florida's lieutenant governor. Jennifer Carroll had provided public-relations representation to the company before her election.