The Ohio Lottery Commission on Monday passed several rules governing
slot machines at Ohio racetracks after Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed an
executive order allowing the rules to go into effect on an expedited
basis.
The executive order allows the lottery commission to
approve rules without undergoing a 75-day state review process, to the
benefit of casino companies and racetrack owners that are eager to
obtain gambling licenses from the state. In the order, Kasich said that
he had determined that an “emergency exists” in the state, citing the
revenues the slot machines could provide to the state.
Earlier
this year, Kasich reached a deal with casino companies to allow slot
machines at racetracks through the Ohio Lottery Commission. The state’s
seven racetracks, including its three Thoroughbred tracks, have been
authorized to operate a total of 17,500 machines, and they are expected
to begin submitting applications for licenses within the next four
months.
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