Gary Pearce posted on June 16, 2012 11:35
A few blogs back, I took a swipe at video sweepstakes as a “seamy enterprise.”
Brad Crone, who consults with the Internet Based Sweepstakes Organization, replies:
“What's the difference between a mid-level manager playing a round of golf for $200 in Pinehurst versus a plumbers assistant spending $20 on video sweepstakes? There isn't any; it’s relative. Except the golfer will probably being paying some taxes for his cart and green fees.
“For those who say sweepstakes prey on the poor and helpless, have you run the numbers of lottery outlets in Durham County versus the number of video sweepstake operators?
“Yes, there's money to made in video sweepstakes, but the Cherokee just last week got table games and got a sweetheart deal where they will generate millions and only give the state back like $3 million...for the next 20 years.
“Gambling is gambling whether you are playing the lottery, live games in Cherokee or a video sweepstake game in Roanoke Rapids. At least a regulated market would provide some framework for the consumer and operator and the ability for law enforcement to know what's legal and what's not...Oh, did I mention $500 million by year three and that's according to the NC Education Lottery - not the industry.”