c10tourf.jpg
Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, and the state's six other racinos, could add video poker machines if the measure in the proposed state budget is approved.
(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio's seven racinos could edge closer to offering the same amenities as casinos if they can add video poker machines.
The Ohio House added an amendment to allow the machines and several others benefiting the Ohio Lottery Commission in the state's two-year budget, in an attempt to increase lottery profits.
The measures passed the House Tuesday. The Senate will review the budget bill and make more changes before both chambers sign off by June 30. Gov. John Kasich can veto items.
Currently only video lottery terminals, or slot machines, can be placed in the racinos. The state's four casinos offer video poker and table games.
By law, all lottery profits go to the Ohio Department of Education's Lottery Profits Education Fund. The lottery has deposited $22 billion in that fund since its creation in 1974
The lottery reported record sales of $3 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30 2016, $167.1 million higher than the prior year. The lottery requested an increase in state funding -- $378.4 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and $381 million for the following fiscal year.
Here is the summary of lottery amendments made by Republicans.
- Requires the lottery commission to adopt rules to add video poker to all video lottery terminals capable of operating the game. That would result in $12.5 million of additional revenue each year.
- Requires the lottery commission to adopt a rule reducing the commission paid to racinos from 66.5 percent of video lottery terminal income to 65.5 percent. That would increase the share of VLT net income to the lottery by $8.9 million in the first fiscal year and $9.1 million in the second year of the budget.
- Prohibits the lottery from adopting rules to allow the purchase of a lottery ticket with a credit card, except at a video lottery terminal machine. That could increase net profits $5.6 million in each year.
- Allowing lottery purchases with debit cards. That would add about $5.5 million of revenue each year.
- Requires the lottery to allow an "intermediate draw monitor" game - a lotto type game where a player may place multiple bets on one number from field of numbers. That could increase profits $5 million each year.
Citizens for Community Values opposes the measures, saying adding video lottery machines essentially turns the racinos into casinos and expands gambling beyond the casinos approved by voters in 2009.
Conservative activists in 2009 opposed a proposal by Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland in 2009 to legalize slot machines at Ohio's seven horse racetracks to raise revenue.
The lottery commission in 2010 created new rules governing the operation of video lottery terminals at racetracks, which did not require legislative help or voter approval.
The lottery commission declined to discuss the proposals, spokeswoman Danielle Frizzi-Babb told Gongwer News Service.
cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.