The Ohio Senate and House are delaying approval of a money-laundering bill because they disagree on an unrelated amendment that deals with internet cafes.
The bill would criminalize so-called “smurfing,” wherein money is laundered in small amounts in casinos. No other state has such a law as yet.
The contentious amendment in question would prevent any business from deriving more than 5 percent of its revenue from sweepstakes games. It was tacked on at the request of law enforcement officials who contend that some owners of internet cafes, which were effectively banned last year, are rebranding themselves and offering so-called “skill games.”
Not all lawmakers favor the amendment and want it removed before they will vote for the smurfing ban.
