Cafeno's Cyber Sweepstakes Cafe brings new concept to area
Date: 10/6/2009
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
CHICOPEE -- If a new business on Main Street proves as successful here as it has been in other states, people might see cyber sweepstakes cafes pop up around Western Massachusetts.
That's the prediction of Steve Sheldon the owner of Cafeno's Cyber Sweepstakes Cafe. The new business opened its doors on Sept. 2 and celebrated its official grand opening over the weekend.
Sheldon explained that although patrons can play casino style games on computers in an atmosphere that resembles a casino customers are even given free snacks and soft drinks as they play -- and they can win money, he emphasized there is no gambling at the establishment.
He said the customers buy time on his computer network. The rate is 25 cents per minute and the minimum purchase is $1. On the network, they can word process, go to the Web, download music or play casino-like games. For every dollar they spend on the time they buy, customers receive points. These points can be used with the casino games and the additional points can be redeemed for cash or saved for a visit in the future.
Sheldon said, though, although money can be won with the games, the games are sweepstakes. He said legally the games are no different than "pulling a tab off a cup at McDonald's."
"This is totally, totally lawful," he said.
Like any other sweepstakes in Massachusetts, players have to be 18 years of age to win, he added. There are 23 different casino style games available, each with its established pool of winners, like any sweepstakes, he said. It is possible to win points that can be redeemed from $5,000 to $7,000.
The concept of cyber sweepstakes cafes has been popularized in Ohio, Florida and the Carolinas, he said. In the process of bringing the concept to Massachusetts -- this is the first such business in the state the law firm he hired spent over a year making sure the business complied with state law.
Sheldon is in the amusement vending business and thought they would be a logical extension for his company.
The reaction is positive so far, he reported,
"Everyone who walks in loves the place. Ninety percents of them have come back," he said.
He admitted that educating customers about the concept had been "a bit of a chore." New customers all receive a photo identification card with a magnetic stripe. The caf 's employees load the card with the time purchased and customers access the network by using the card. The card also allows customers to store points they've earned from one visit to another.
Sheldon saidthat customers stay from 20 minutes to three to four hours.
With the present economic conditions, Sheldon believes his business presents an affordable alternative to the Connecticut casinos. There's no travel cost and for a minimum investment people can play casino games.
"They get more bang for their buck," he said.
Sheldon praised city officials for helping them through the permitting process and is already considering other potential locations if this one is successful. He anticipates it will draw people from a radius of 30 to 40 miles. The business has created six new jobs, do far, he added.
Cafeno's Cyber Sweepstakes Cafe located at 76 Main St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
