Ohio Lottery sales for the past twelve months are up $68 million from last year. Sales for the twelve months ending June 30 were $1.988 billion. As a result, the lottery contributed $635.1 million to the education budget for the year (surpassing its commitment by $1.4 million).

Lottery sales figures continue to evolve since Ohio joined the Mega Millions multi-state lottery in mid-May. The first four weeks of combined Mega Millions and Super Lotto Plus sales brought in 25 percent more in sales than the Super Lotto Plus did its last solo month. The expected giant Mega Millions jackpots will typically bring spikes in sales of the multi-state game; however, this usually countered with a drop in in-state game sales.

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Committee Studies VLT Impact
July 2, 2002

Draft recommendation from a special eight-member legislative gambling impact study committee call for further study of the potential economic impact of video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Ohio's racetracks.

Racetrack owners and certain legislators, lead by State Senator Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati) advocate the addition of lottery-sponsored VLTs as a means of supporting the racing industry and increasing state revenues.

The committee relied on previous studies, including a 2000 study funded by the racing industry. The committees draft report suggests that the economic benefits predicted by the racing industry study are overstated.

The committee is scheduled to release its final report on July 9, in which it is expected to conclude that it does not have enough information to recommend approving the installation of VLTs in Ohio's Racetracks. At least three committee members, including Sen. Blessing, are expected to disagree with this conclusion.

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