Sheriff tells us that most in the city are running legally
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of internet cafés, also known as adult arcades, are operating in Jacksonville, and many remain open even after having their permits revoked.
Over the past decade, there have been numerous reports of raids and arrests at these arcades. In most cases, the charges were dropped, and the cafés remain open.
In other instances, the city has posted signs indicating the arcades are closed, not because of gambling, but for code violations.
A total of 94 internet cafés are officially allowed to operate in the city. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has sued these cafés, claiming they are gambling businesses.
There has been no state decision on whether the arcades constitute gambling establishments, which would make them illegal, or if they are sweepstakes, which under Florida law makes them legal.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said enforcing the law is difficult because most of the arcades are operating legally.
“At the end of the day, they are not breaking the law operating as a sweepstakes,” Williams said. “There’s a gray area that we continue to look at. Every complaint we investigate.”
Some argue that the state should regulate the cafés, while others believe it’s a local issue. Jacksonville City Council members plan to introduce a measure to put a moratorium on new arcades, which Williams supports until the legality of the cafés is decided in court.
The state attorney’s office has yet to respond regarding the enforcement of internet cafés.
