Internet Gambling Ban Passes
October 10, 2006

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the United States Senate has passed a version of a bill that will put an end to internet gambling. If both the United States Senate and House of Representatives agree on final language, and the act is signed by the President, the new law will prohibit financial institutions from facilitating money transfers to or from internet gambling sites. The bill has yet to clear a conference committee and be signed by the President before becoming law.

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Slot Campaign Exaggerates Figures
October 10, 2006

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Ohio Learn and Earn committee has admitted to exaggerating the claim that slots will generate "nearly one billion dollars" for education. According to a study by the pro-slot committee, the slots will generate $853 million. Charlie Ruma, the spokesman for the Learn and Earn committee is quoted as promising to end the allegedly misleading advertisements as soon as possible.

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Attorney General Intervenes in Tribal Suit
October 10, 2006

Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro was dismissed by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma from its land claims lawsuit. Petro recently filed a motion seeking to be brought back in to "represent the rights of Ohioans." Petro was concerned that if he was not a party to the action, any settlement between named municipalities and the Tribe could enable the Tribe to seek federal recognition of its land, this paving the way for tribal gaming in a number of sites across the state. Having been re-instated as a party, Petro can ensure that the state has a voice in any proposed settlements.

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Trustees Oppose Learn and Earn
October 10, 2006

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees has announced its position against the Ohio Learn and Earn proposal, according to an article in the Columbus Dispatch. Supporters of the proposal claim that it would provide free college to qualified Ohio students, which would be paid for from slot machine proceeds. The Ohio Board of Regents, which would actually administer the scholarship money, has announced that it will remain neutral with respect to the proposal.

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Legality of "Bar Poker" Challenged
October 10, 2006

Bar owner Mike Kennedy is fighting a citation issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety for allowing gambling in a liquor establishment. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Kennedy's bar offered a "free" poker league, whereby patrons competed for prizes, but paid no entry fee to play. The article states that Kennedy was able to bring in as many as 100 customers nightly. After issuing the citation, however, Kennedy's poker tables and equipment were seized. Rather than pay the fine, Kennedy has chosen to contest the matter in court. His first suit was dismissed on procedural grounds, and his battle remains unresolved pending the outcome of a re-filed action.

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