State lawmakers are looking to amend the law on gambling after a trend of establishments circumventing the law, according to House Bill 343.

In recent years, there have been gaming activities on machines that offer payouts in which the participants make purchases of goods or services.

The participant earns more credits or plays each time money is spent or deposited into the machine.

Lawmakers say this constitutes gambling.

Establishments that promote these activities claim it is not gambling.

Law enforcement has found that participants, and even employees of the establishments that provide the machines and activities, are unaware of, or completely disregard, the purchased goods or services and proceed directly to the gaming activity.

HB 343 says it is clear that the intent of the establishments and machines is to promote gambling.