Senate Bill 308 would allow Internet lottery games
November 14, 2002

Senator Robert Gardner (R-Madison) introduced Senate Bill 308 which would authorize the Ohio Lottery Commission to allow lottery games to be played over the Internet by allowing the purchase of tickets over the Internet. Participants must be 18 years of age and the tickets would be sold by licensed agents. A companion bill, House Bill 662, was introduced in the House by Representative Jean Schmidt (R- Loveland).

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Video lottery terminals at Ohio's racetracks could win out without voter approval
November 13, 2002

Senator Lou Blessing introduced legislation last year that would place on the ballot the issue of video lottery terminals at Ohio's racetracks. He will again attempt to legalize the use of VLT's - this time without approval from the voters. Owners of the struggling race tracks convinced Senate President Richard Finan and Senator Lou Blessing that they cannot afford the million dollar campaign associated with the passage of a ballot issue. In response to their concern, Senator Blessing has legislative staff busy drafting a new piece of legislation that would require the Ohio Lottery Commission to install the video lottery terminals at all of Ohio's racetracks without the issue being placed on the ballot first.

Governor Taft has publicly stated his opposition to the legislation and plans to veto it if it reaches his desk. House Speaker Larry Househoulder will poll his caucus to determine support for the plan. Senator Blessing would like to see the legislation pass this year. However, with only six weeks left this year until the end of the General Assembly, the bill would have to move rather quickly through the legislative process.

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