The issue is a headache for area governmental agencies—electronic and Internet gaming sites, cropping up locally—a gray area in state gambling laws.   Agencies in the Foothills tried to outlaw the businesses, but were unsuccessful, and now Boone has passed an ordinance to try to at least limit locations for electronic and Internet gaming.  The ordinance, passed Tuesday, limits hours and locations of such operations in Boone, setting them to at least 2,640 feet from one another and at least 1,000 feet from lots that contain churches, schools, libraries, public parks, playgrounds or daycare centers.

They also must be 1,000 feet from residential districts, and more than one Internet gaming establishment can't be located on the same lot. Hours of operation are limited to between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Because these businesses use international monetary accounts, they skirt state and federal gaming laws.