Once Again, Florida Didn't Ban Computers & Cell Phones

Here is a surprise. I'm actually going to defend Gov. Rick Scott. The media coverage on the internet cafe gambling ban signed into law by Scott has been terrible. As I have written before, the law does not ban personal computers and mobile phones. The law only bans computers rigged for gambling. The text of the legislation.

(1) As used in this chapter, the term "slot machine or device" means any machine or device or system or network of devices that is adapted for use in such a way that, upon activation, which may be achieved by, but is not limited to, the insertion of any piece of money, coin, account number, code, or other object or information, such device or system is directly or indirectly caused to operate or may be operated and if the user, whether by application of skill or by reason of any element of chance or any other outcome unpredictable by the user, may:

(a) Receive or become entitled to receive any piece of money, credit, allowance, or thing of value, or any check, slug, token, or memorandum, whether of value or otherwise, which may be exchanged for any money, credit, allowance, or thing of value or which may be given in trade; or

(b) Secure additional chances or rights to use such machine, apparatus, or device, even though the device or system may be available for free play or, in addition to any element of chance or unpredictable outcome of such operation, may also sell, deliver, or present some merchandise, indication of weight, entertainment, or other thing of value. The term "slot machine or device" includes, but is not limited to, devices regulated as slot machines pursuant t o chapter 551.

Unless your computer is rigged to make a profit from other people using it to play online poker then you have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, Scott is unable to communicate the obvious. Scott instead draws attention to his former LT. Governor's work with Allied Vetgor

“The law I signed was to get rid of the Internet gaming that is tied to Allied Veterans, that criminal conspiracy,” Scott said during a morning appearance from Okeechobee on WPEC TV in West Palm Beach. “The law the legislature passed, the goal of that law was to get rid of the Internet gaming that Allied Veterans was doing,” Scott added. “As you know, there was a criminal conspiracy that they were involved in. That is the intent of the bill.”

For once Scott has the facts on his side. Scott still manages to screw up the messaging. What a horrible politician.