Legislature Skips Columbus In “Racino” Money

The Associated Press — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:31:47 +0000

A wide-reaching bill to rewrite Ohio’s laws on casinos and other forms of gambling is headed to the desk of Governor John Kasich, who’s expected to sign the bill into law.

Rep. Representative Lou Blessing, the man charged with negotiating a Statehouse compromise, said there was general agreement that Columbus and other cities getting a traditional casino didn’t need extra revenue generated by new “racinos,” or horse racing tracks with slot-like video terminals.

The bill was passed under an emergency clause, so if signed by the Governor it would go into law immediately.

Scioto Downs is so far the only vendor willing to pay the $50 million fee for a video lottery terminal facility, although other facilities are expected to eventually open.

The bill also places a one-year moratorium on new Internet sweepstakes parlors.

Lawmakers removed a measure to regulate charity card rooms.

Arguments Begin Over Legality Of Expanded Slots

Bill Cohen — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:32:17 +0000

What could become a long drawn-out court battle began Thursday over electronic slot machines at Ohio racetracks. A Franklin County common pleas court judge heard arguments over whether the governor and state legislators have the authority themselves to allow the expanded gambling at the tracks.

Click the play button above to hear a full report from Ohio Public Radio’s Bill Cohen.

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Legislature Skips Columbus In “Racino” Money

Arguments Begin Over Legality Of Expanded Slots