City Council Extends Moratorium on Internet Gaming Cafes

Avon's voted Tuesday night to extend the moratorium on permitting internet gaming cafes in the city for another six months.

City law director John Gasior said the move would give the city time to respond to a proposed state law that would take regulatory control over these businesses away from local governments and give it to the state casino commission.

House Bill 195 would give the state control over licensing and regulating internet gaming cafes, Gasior said. It would also take away licensing revenue from cities that do permit the businesses. And it would pre-empt any regulations cities set up regarding internet gaming.

"When the legislature takes the matter up after the election, we'll see where it goes," Gasior said.

Planning coordinator Jim Piazza said there are about 40 internet gaming cafes in Lorain County.