MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The city of Myrtle Beach is deliberating following a business licence revocation hearing. At issue is whether several sweepstakes businesses in the city are operating illegally.
Recently, SLED has raided several Internet sweepstakes businesses across the state, seizing machines. Myrtle Beach suspended five business licenses over the issue, and today the owners went before the city council to fight their case.
"The key thing that makes them legal or illegal has been price, consideration and chance," says Jonny McCoy, the attorney for two business owners. "In my clients' case, and in Mr. McCollum's case, you don't have to pay to enter into the sweepstakes."
The law states any machine where a coin or thing of value is deposited inside a game of strategy and where you can win by chance is illegal.
The issue isn't going away any time soon, as legislation is being considered across the state and some lawyers say this could be brought before the supreme court.
In the meantime, attorneys want Myrtle Beach to re-instate their clients' licenses, at least until a higher court makes a final decision.
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