Change made in Ohio gambling bill involving Internet cafes

COLUMBUS — Internet cafes and other unregulated gaming storefronts would have to register with the state, under a provision added to larger gambling-related legislation today.

An Ohio Senate committee accepted the amendment to House Bill 386 requiring sweepstakes businesses to file affidavits with the attorney general's office within 30 days of the proposed law changes taking effect.

The language, offered by Sen. Larry Obhof, a Republican from Medina County, would give the state an inventory of existing Internet cafes in advance of a proposed yearlong moratorium, which is included in the same legislation.