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On Monday, Governor Strickland moved forward with plans to introduce slot machines in seven race tracks throughout the State of Ohio, including two in Central Ohio: Scioto Downs and Belulah Park. Strickland issued a directive to the Director of the Ohio Lottery to begin the implementation process.
The slot machines are expected to generate $933 million dollars to help fill the gap in the state budget. A portion of the slot machine revenue will be set aside for anti-gambling programs and assistance for addicted gamblers. A maximum of 2500 slot machines will be allowed per facility.
Ohio tracks get off easy on slot fees, some say
Sunday, July 26, 2009 3:36 AM
BY JAMES NASH AND MARK NIQUETTE
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio’s seven horse-racing tracks will have to pony up $65 million each just for the privilege of operating video slot machines, and the state will keep half of the profit from people wagering their money.
Sound like a good deal for the state? It is, Gov. Ted Strickland says, and numbers from other states seem to back him up.
But it’s not the best deal Ohio could have struck with racetrack owners, who stand to become much richer as casino kingpins, according to a gambling industry analyst.
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Harrah’s buys Thistledown
Posted by Mark Niquette, Statehouse reporter
September 15, 2009 3:53 PM
Las Vegas-based Harrah’s Operating Company Inc. has agreed to purchase Thistledown racetrack near Cleveland for $89.5 million and submit an application to the Ohio Lottery Commission today for a license to operate video slot machines, according to a sale order approved by a federal bankruptcy court in Delaware.
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Seven tracks file slots application; two make initial payment
Posted by Mark Niquette, Statehouse reporter
September 15, 2009 6:45 PM
All seven Ohio horseracing tracks filed applications today to add video slot machines as part of a state plan to help balance the budget, but so far only two have paid the initial $13 million installment of the license fee as required.
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Strickland Not Concerned About Horse Tracks Missing Payments
By PATRICK PRESTON
Published: September 16, 2009
“At this point I am not concerned or worried that there will not be compliance,“ Strickland said. “I feel rather good about the fact that at this point there’s been good faith efforts to comply and to meet their obligations.“
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