COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – June 22, 2000 – As reported by The Associated Press: "The state Supreme Court has upheld a looming ban on video gambling machines, perhaps the final blow to a $3 billion industry that has argued the ban is unconstitutional.

"'This issue is dead, and video poker is gone on July 1,' House Speaker Pro Tem Terry Haskins said after Wednesday's ruling.

"…It was unclear whether the plaintiffs would appeal. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, Westside Quick Shop of Greenville and Winners Pot of Gold Hot Spot of Hartsville, did not return telephone messages seeking comment Wednesday.

"The Legislature passed the ban last year, but gave voters the right to decide in a referendum planned for last November whether the games should remain legal. The Supreme Court blocked the referendum, saying the Legislature could not delegate its power... "