By: Associated Press

Fort Wayne, Indiana - Indiana officials say they're looking into whether new electronic machines that allow players to make bets exploit a loophole in state gambling laws.

The so-called "sweepstakes machines" allow users to buy Internet time and connect to online games like video poker and slots and bet digital credit or time. The winners then receive a receipt that they can cash out at the bar.

Prizes are paid to winners based on predetermined sweepstakes systems, not by chance.

Indiana Gaming Commission Executive Director Ernest Yelton says officials are investigating whether the machines have exposed a loophole in gambling laws.

The games are banned in some states but are proliferating in places like Ohio, North Carolina, Florida and Texas.