Local

Sweepstakes business owners close their doors

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Sweepstakes businesses in Charlotte must close their doors for good or face a fine beginning Dec. 1, and that comes after a stern warning from the Mecklenburg County district attorney.

Several places already had their doors and business empty.

One on South Boulevard closed its doors Saturday to avoid legal action that could be coming for those that don't comply.

Marco Spinoza was left wondering what's become of a favorite hang-out spot.

"I used to come up here and play," Spinoza said.

Business owners next door said the sweepstakes operators moved out Saturday.

Triple 7 Sweepstakes, also on South Boulevard, closed and looked like a ghost town.

Another one at 205 The Plaza had its doors locked too.

There was a sweepstakes business off Wilkinson Boulevard that had a parking lot packed with people and the machines were up and running.

An employee said they were closing at the midnight deadline.

Mecklenburg County's district attorney sent out a letter saying business had to stop running by Sunday or face a criminal charge.

That's after the state Supreme Court agreed they were illegal.

In the past, sweepstakes businesses have tried to find a way around the law. However, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officials said they are ready to enforce it if they have to.

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