A 1,270-square-foot suite in Gallagher Plaza could become home to 25 electronic sweepstakes machines if Sherman grants a specific use permit that goes before the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
BBSB Ventures is asking to run the business, called Winners North Sherman, as an indoor commercial amusement center in Suite L at 809 E. Gallagher Drive, in the shopping center at the northeast corner of Gallagher Drive and Loy Lake Road. The property is zoned C-1 retail, where that use needs a permit. The owner of record is Prime Gallagher MP Opportunity Zone Fund LLC.
The city's staff report describes the request as 25 "electronic donation and promotional sweepstake machines" and lists no recommendation for or against it. Staff reports on most other cases on the same agenda say staff has no objection.
What the applicant proposes
According to the project narrative filed with the city, the machines would be part of a fundraising program. BBSB Ventures says it works with Strategic Fundraising Solutions LLC, which supports fundraising for 501(c)(3) charities and nonprofits, and with Texas Amusement Group LLC, which supplies the equipment and software.
The narrative says customers would not have to buy anything to take part: each patron could receive 100 free entries a day under posted rules. Play would be limited to adults 18 and older, with staff checking government-issued ID.
Proposed hours are 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. The applicant expects at least one employee on duty at all times and two during busier periods. The business would not sell alcohol or prepare food, and no outdoor activity or exterior changes beyond signs are planned.
