Cyber Sweeps Cafe Offers Internet Service, Games

For patrons of a new business in the Royal Oaks shopping center, it's all about fun and games.

Since Cyber Sweeps opened Feb. 6, it is attracting patrons from throughout the area interested in playing computer games in the hopes of winning prize money.

Owner Mike Abujuma, a real estate broker at the neighboring Prudential Tropical Realty for 23 years, said opening an Internet cafe in an empty storefront in Royal Oaks plaza just made sense.

"For the past three years, I've had all of these empty spaces available that I couldn't rent due to the economy," Abujuma said. "I began to think of ways to put the spaces to use, and the idea of an Internet cafe came up."

Abujuma retained the services of consultant Amy Pistey to help him open the area's first Internet cafe. She runs similar businesses in Port Charlotte, Englewood and Tampa. 

Contrary to media reports, Pistey says Internet cafes like those she operates are perfectly legal.

"What we do is sell Internet time and phone cards," she said. "People can come here and use the Internet and take care of their copying and printing needs if they don't have a computer at home."

In return for purchasing Internet time, players are given sweepstakes points to play casino-style games on the computers for cash prizes redeemed at the cafe.

"The jackpot can get pretty big," said Pistey. "Eighty-five percent of our customers get the majority or more of their money back on whatever they purchased, phone service or Internet time."

The majority of the patrons at Cyber Sweeps are senior citizens who simply enjoy playing games in a relaxed atmosphere with fellow seniors, said Pistey.

"And people don't necessarily come here to play games," she said. "Seniors learn how to use the computer, watch movies or communicate on Facebook. The sweepstakes is just a bonus. It's really a big social event for them."

Cyber Sweeps features 50 computers. Snacks and drinks are free and there is periodically live entertainment.

Pistey adds that Cyber Sweeps strictly follows state statutes to avoid violating state gambling laws.

"We want to make sure we're 100 percent legal. In fact, one of our problems is there isn't enough regulation," she said. "We would love stronger regulations. We are begging for regulations" to prevent people who violate state laws from opening up cafes.

The cafe offers about 20 different games patrons can play, she said.

"There's really no skill or luck required," Pistey said. "The average person spends about $20 and they can hang out here for hours, just relaxing and having fun."

Cyber Sweeps is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m.

Sue Darling traveled from Zephyrhills with a group of 12 people to play games at Cyber Sweeps.

"It's just fun to do, and this place is so clean and the people are so nice," she said. "It's just a good time."

"It's cheap entertainment," added patron Lois Zarnosky. "You spend $20 and play as long as you like. Sometimes you win; sometimes you don't. But most people win something, and it's just a lot of fun."

Zarnosky believes places like Cyber Sweeps are good for the economy. 

"It employs people, the building is rented and it doesn't hurt anybody," she said. "Plus it's a nice, smoke-free environment."