Representative Arthur Payne, R-Center Point, is attempting to supply the “legislative putty” needed to fill the gaping cracks in the “Chuck E. Cheese” law that permits a watered down version of video gambling.
This is the second attempt to get an amendment passed on the controversial law. He withdrew his first bill after debate indicated there were too many possibilities for defeat. He has since dismissed that bill and submitted a new bill, House Bill 869,that was scheduled to go before the judiciary committee May 2.
Eric Johnston, an attorney and board member for Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), who assisted in writing the new bill, said, “We made some wording changes regarding the definition of gambling relating to criminal intent.”
“The first bill was not workable,” Payne said. “This new one directly amends the ‘Chuck E. Cheese’ law where it will be lawful to play kids video arcade games but unlawful to play adult video gambling machines.”
Johnston said the bill will force machine owners to reward winners in coupons for children’s toys that have to be redeemed on site.
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