| Strickland
Promises to Veto Racing Slots
June 25, 2007
Governor Ted Strickland has promised to veto a bill that would
legalize so-called "video racing" terminals at Ohio's
horse tracks. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Governor
has said that his veto does not indicate a preference for or against
gambling, but merely upholds the will of the people who voted against
allowing slot machines last November. Along with a promise to veto
any video racing measure, the Governor has called for the General
Assembly to move quickly in eliminating the distinction between
"skill games" and gambling devices, and to cap the value
of non-cash prizes awarded in the state by video devices to $10.00.
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House
Considers Skill Game Ban
June 25, 2007
The Columbus Dispatch reported last week that Ohio House of Representatives
Speaker Jon Husted wants "a complete ban" on "skill
games." Husted called the games "a backdoor approach to
opening up gambling." Husted also criticized Governor Ted Strickland's
plan to cap non-cash prizes at $10.00, saying that plan only sets
limits on what consumers can win, not what they can lose. Senate
President Bill Harris did not elaborate on any plans to ban the
games, noting only that he did not expect any definitive measure
to be added to the state budget.
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Lima Extends
Skill Game Moratorium
June 25, 2007
The Lima City Council voted to extend a moratorium on so-called
skill games in the city. The new ban will be in effect for the next
six months. According to the Lima News, City Law Director Tony Geiger
hopes that the extension will give the state time to decide whether
the devices are legal under Ohio law.
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Argosy
Purchased
June 25, 2007
Penn National Gaming, Inc. has agreed to be purchased by Fortress
Investment Group, LLC. according to an article in the Cincinnati
Post. Penn National operates several casinos across the United States,
including the Argosy in Lawrenceburg, Indiana - just across the
river from Ohio. According to the article, Fortress offered $6.1
billion in cash and will repay $2.8 billion of the target's debt.
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