TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Strip-mall parlors with slot-like computer games such as those targeted in a racketeering investigation are now illegal in Florida.
Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill Wednesday that bans up to 1,000 storefront operations across the state.
The new law took effect immediately after Scott signed the bill.
However, state officials say they will leave enforcement to local law-enforcement officials.
Florida legislators voted overwhelmingly last week to approve the ban. It was a quick response to a scandal that led to dozens of arrests and the lieutenant governor's resignation last month.
The storefront operations targeted by the bill currently allow customers to play sweepstakes games that simulate slot machines. But critics contend the new law will also lead to the closures of senior arcades.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
