Cleveland Business Seeks Casino in Clinton County
November 20, 2007

The Dayton Daily News reported that Rick Lertzman and Brad Pressman, two "Cleveland-area businessmen" are attempting to place a Constitutional amendment on the 2008 statewide ballot authorizing gaming. The ballot language, which has not been made public, would authorize a hotel, casino, golf course and restaurants on a 94-acre site just outside of Wilmington. According to the article, Clinton County Commissioner Randy Riley is taking the proposal under consideration, saying that he has "yet to find a down side" to the plan. The partners claim that casino gambling at their single site would create 5,000 jobs and approximately $170 million for the state.

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"Skill-Games" Outlawed
November 20, 2007

Governor Ted Strickland has signed into law an act of the General Assembly that deems any skill device that pays winners in cash or in prizes valued in excess of $10.00 an illegal slot machine. According to the Columbus dispatch, the new law became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature.

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Legislature to Act on Skill Games
October 15, 2007

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Ohio General Assembly is preparing to act against skilled gaming. The proposal will likely prohibit all cash payments from the devices, and will establish $10.00 as the maximum value of any non-cash prizes awarded. The legislation, which essentially mirrors administrative rules promulgated by Attorney General Marc Dann, is supported in both chambers and tentatively indorsed by Governor Ted Strickland.

The Ohio Coin Games Association, according to the Dayton Daily News, has produced a study claiming that banning Tic-Tac-Fruit alone will cost Ohio 1,848 jobs and over $9,500,000.00 in annual taxes.

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Speaker Proposes Ban on Skill Game Cash Payouts
September 24, 2007

The Cleveland Plain Dealer recently reported that Ohio House of Representatives Speaker John Husted intends to ask his chamber to place a total ban on cash payouts from so-called games of skill. Scott Borgemenke, Husted's chief of staff, notes that the plan will put an immediate halt to the games so that the General Assembly can revisit the issue at a later date.
Representative Bill Seitz disagrees with the plan. The Cincinnati legislator is proposing a regulatory scheme to license, regulate and tax the machines.

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Skill Game Purveyors Win Injunctions
September 24, 2007

Early this month Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook issued an order that prohibited the Attorney General from enforcing a ban on the "Nudgemaster" game. The device is one of many "skill games" that the General Assembly is currently trying to prohibit in Ohio. Since then, two more games, Tic-Tac-Fruit and Puzzlebug have been granted special dispensation to operate despite Attorney General Marc Dann's administrative rules prohibiting cash payments from the devices.

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Tracks Install Skill Games
September 24, 2007

Several racetracks in Ohio have opted to install controversial "skill games" at their facilities this month. A recent article in the Cincinnati Post claims that Columbus-based Beulah Park has installed at least ten of the devices, and that River Downs in Southern Ohio has plans to do the same. Michael Weiss, Executive Vice-President of Beulah Park claims that the machines have been installed in several locations around the racetrack. "[W]e thought we should be able to provide the same game for our customers as our competition.," Weiss said.

The Post reports that horse race wagering is down over thirty percent in Ohio over the past five years, and that owners are racing their horses in other states where slots and other gambling has created more lucrative purses.

Raceway Park, however, has decided to avoid the machines. "Penn National, our parent company, is publicly traded and does not want to be involved while legislation is pending. It's very controversial," said John McNamara, an employee with Raceway's customer service and marketing division. Raceway is currently experiencing a surge in wagering activity over last year's numbers. McNamara attributes the increase to renovations to the track's and new programs to offer additional entertainment along with traditional horse racing.

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Tribe Settles Land Claim
August 24, 2007

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has finally resolved its land claims in Federal Court. Last month, Judge James Carr dismissed the Tribe's lawsuit after land purchase settlement agreements were reached with the city of Lima and private property owners. According to the Toledo Blade, the order dismissing the suits did not constitute federal recognition of the Tribe's aboriginal status in Ohio. Attorney General Marc Dann said that the dismissal has no impact on the state or its opposition to gambling. "This is not a recognition of land rights, which would move them a step toward being recognized by the [United States]," Dann said.

The Tribe's next step, according to the Lima News, is to begin the process of having the land taken into trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Until that next step is completed, gambling under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act cannot begin.

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Dann Accused of Gambling Influence
August 24, 2007

Early this month, articles in the Columbus Dispatch hinted that Attorney General Marc Dann may have created an appearance of impropriety by accepting political contributions and other assistance from individuals and businesses involved in gambling activities. In January, Dann's campaign received food and beverages from a person related to Alfred DeLeon, an officer of Castle King LLC, a company that manufactures and distributes controversial "games of skill." Additionally, Dann is said to have received more than $47,000.00 from gambling interests since his inauguration; and Dann may have taken another $20,000.00 to help defray inauguration and transition expenses. In May, Dann's office settled a lawsuit against Castle King LLC that claimed the devices violated Ohio law. The settlement provided criteria by which the Attorney General would certify the devices as compliant with Ohio law.

According to the Dispatch, Dann did not violate any laws in accepting the contributions. Dann's spokesman says that the donations had no affect on the Attorney General's position

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Cockfighting Ring Uncovered in Lorain County
August 24, 2007

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Lorain County Sheriff broke up a cockfighting ring in Sheffield Township last week. More than forty men were caught observing the fight. Underweight, malnourished and neglected animals were present, and several animals were either dead or dying. Officers confiscated metal spurs, drugs and steroids at the scene. A similar event was the subject of a February sting in Medina County that resulted in the arrest of 21 people.

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Pataskala Charity Event Closed
August 24, 2007

The West Licking Firefighter's Association was prohibited from conducting charitable gaming at this year's Pataskala Street Fair. On August 6th, the City informed the organization that state law prohibited charitable gaming on public streets. The group was advised to move gaming activities to a fire hall it owns, but alternative arrangements could not be made before the fair began. The Association said that the short notice will most likely result in a loss of nearly $10,000.00, the amount the group historically earns from the gaming.

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City Council Kills Casino Negotiations
August 24, 2007

Lima City Law Director Tony Geiger recently informed the Lima City Council that the administration will not have concluded negotiations with the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma concerning a possible casino development in time for the Council to place the agreement on the November ballot. The deadline to place the measure on the ballot is August 23rd. Without sufficient time to complete negotiations and present an agreement to the voters, the city has withdrawn from negotiations, according to the Lima News.

The Tribe's spokesman, Terry Casey, said that the development plans will continue. Other agreements are already in place with other Ohio cities. The Tribe plans on presenting a package to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, but without an agreement with Lima, it will be difficult to include the city in its proposal, according to Casey.

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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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Senate Approves Instant Racing
May 31, 2007

The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would authorize the state's seven horse tracks to install so-called "instant racing" terminals. According to an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the measure was approved 25 - 8. The machines, which allow bettors to wager on previously-run races, would pay out 88% of all money wagered. Of the money not paid to bettors, 8% will be returned to the track owner and 4% divided between the state and several racing-related programs. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

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Attorney General Investigates Skill Games
May 31, 2007

Amid concerns that some of the state's so-called "skill games" may not be legal, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann has announced his plans to inspect and regulate the devices. According to an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Dann would hire an expert to examine the machines in accordance with a settlement agreement recently approved in litigation between the state and several manufacturers and owners of the machines. The investigator, whose expenses will be paid by machine owners, will determine whether machines require at least 51% skill (as opposed to games of chance). Any game that is approved will be given a serial number and sealed. Adjusting the mechanics of the game after its inspection will be considered tampering and punished by a $10,000.00 fine.

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Illegal Casino Operator Sentenced
May 31, 2007

According to the Dayton Daily News, Robert Louis Roth was sentenced this month for running an illegal casino out of a residence in the Dayton area. The 69-year-old man was sentenced to the minimum twenty months imprisonment, having already surrendered his 10,000 square foot residence and other property. The casino allegedly generated $1,400,000.00 in profit over eight years before it was shut down by authorities.

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Tribe Sets Casino Date: Five Years
May 16, 2007

Glenna Wallace, chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has set a schedule of five years until a casino is opened in one of four locations in Ohio according to a recent article in the Lima News. Once a final land claim settlement is reached, the next obstacle that the Tribe must overcome is having Ohio land taken into trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Until then, federal law prohibits tribal gaming. However, the Bureau can set its own timeline for approving the land trust. The article notes that the Tribe purchased several acres in Oklahoma over seven years ago, and is still awaiting a decision on its trust agreement.

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City Regulates Skill Games
May 10, 2007

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that the Barberton City Council has voted to regulate so-called "skill games" within the city limits. Any business that has between two and ten of the machines on site would be required to pay $100.00 per month per machine to the city. Any business with more than ten machines is defined as a "skill arcade" and is required to pay $1,000.00 annually in addition to $200.00 per machine per month. The new legislation prohibits operation of the arcades within 500 feet of a school or church and limits the number of skill arcades within city limits to ten.

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Tallmadge Dissolves Gaming Fund
May 8, 2007

Tallmadge has dissolved its "Law Enforcement Gaming Fund," which pooled money from the regulation of so-called "Skill Games." On the advice of Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor, the city will instead place any monies collected into the general fund and the public safety fund. $40,575.00 was transferred to the general fund and $13,525.00 was placed in the Fire Fund, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

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Fire Equipment Garaged Pending Hearing
May 8, 2007

A $125,000.00 rescue squad vehicle that was delivered to the Norton Fire Department late last month was placed in storage pending the outcome of administrative hearings. An article in the Akron Beacon Journal reports that the Norton Volunteer Fireman's Association, which raised money to purchase the equipment, has not been able to make delivery to the city because of concerns by Attorney General Marc Dann's office about the group's charitable status. Dann's primary concern is that not all members of the volunteer fireman's association are volunteers, creating an issue under the charitable gaming laws. Additionally, the Norton Volunteer Fireman's Association doesn't contribute exclusively to the Norton Volunteer Fire Department, potentially creating more issues. A hearing is scheduled for May 30th.

After initial confusion, the Attorney General's Office made it clear that even though the bingo group remained under investigation, Dann would not object to delivery of the truck and, in fact, had never originally objected to the delivery. Norton's Fire Department received its new equipment last week at a ceremony at the station house.

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Instant Racing Proposed
May 8, 2007

A new proposal for so-called "instant racing" has found bi-partisan support in the General Assembly according to a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch. Under the new proposal, players would place wagers on past races based exclusively on the win percentages of the horses, jockeys and trainers while the actual identity of racing participants remains unknown. After bets are placed, the bettor can watch the entire race or a ten-second clip. If successful, the wager is paid instantly.

The new proposal would help the state's sluggish racing industry and would also generate revenue for the state's PASSPORT program, which provides home health-care for senior citizens. State Representative Bill Seitz has indicated that this proposal doesn't introduce any new gambling, but merely expands a form of gambling that is already legal under existing state law and the Ohio Constitution. Proponents hope the devices will also spur interest in traditional live racing at the tracks. Scioto Downs owner Charlie Ruma stated his hope that the new gaming would at least serve as a temporary fix for the racing industry while other options are examined.

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Attorney General Receives Contributions From Skill Games Proponents
May 8, 2007

The Columbus Dispatch recently reported that Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann received the maximum contribution of $5,000.00 each from two companies that manufacture the so-called "skill games" and from one attorney who is fighting to have the devices declared legal. Contributions were made to Dann's inauguration account.

The article states that Dann supports legislation that would better define what devices are legal under state law and to provide for regulation. When Dann took over from former attorney general Jim Petro, three cases concerning the machines were in litigation. Those suits remain open and Dann has not announced any plans to drop the suits.

Gambling opponents have said that it is "unseemly" for the Attorney General to have accepted the contributions in question.

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Stark County Video Slot Raids
May 8, 2007

Sheriff's deputies raided five video slot parlors in Jackson and Plain township last month and confiscated 145 video machines and over $30,000.00 in cash and other property. The Akron Beacon Journal reports that the raids occurred after a six-month investigation determined that the devices violated state law. According to Sheriff Tim Swanson, no arrests were made, but the investigation is ongoing.

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Racetrack Profits Tank in 2006
May 8, 2007

An article in the Columbus Dispatch states that Scioto Downs reported a $4,400,000.00 loss in 2006. The story notes that the racetrack spent $3,100,000.00 on last year's failed ballot initiative to bring slot wagering to Ohio's tracks. Scioto's parent company, MTR Gaming, stated that revenues continue to fall because of low betting activity, and that MTR continues to examine possible ways to improve profitability, including other forms of gambling.

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Judge Rejects Tribe's Casino Proposal
April 5, 2007

A federal judge has refused to approve a settlement agreement between the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma and several defendants, including the City of Lima. The Lima News reported that Judge James Carr rejected the settlement and instead proposed dismissing the case and allowing the parties to object to the dismissal until April 16th. When asked about the lawsuits, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann said: "If Indian gaming is ever to exist in the state of Ohio, it will only come by way of the Constitution and state and federal law -- not by sham lawsuits."

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Dog Fighting Ring Busted In Moraine
April 5, 2007

A 14-month investigation into a dog fighting ring resulted in nine arrests and the confiscation of sixty-four dogs, according to a recent article in the Cincinnati Post. Arrests were also made for crimes including gambling, drug trafficking, possession of a firearm and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.

A federal judge ordered the confiscated animals euthanized, claiming that abuse and lethal training made the animals too dangerous to keep.

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Toledo Games Raised "Red Flags" For Gaming Insiders
April 5, 2007

A recent article in the Toledo Blade reports that gambling insiders, including both legal and "underground" bookies, were aware that suspicious activities may have been taking place in association with University of Toledo football games. These announcements come in the wake of "point-shaving" charges against Harvey McDougle, Jr., a player for the University of Toledo's football team. McDougle allegedly took bribes from Ghazi Manni of the Detroit-area. The article reports that FBI surveillance of Manni's telephone conversations led them to McDougle.

According to the article, gaming insiders have been suspicious of the program for some time after bookies noticed an increased volume of wagering on the Toledo games, as well a sudden change in the team's performance against the point spreads. While industry experts were aware that something may have been afoot, there was no hard evidence and no outright allegations were ever made.

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University of Toledo Athlete Charged in Scheme To Influence Sporting Contests
April 4, 2007

The Akron Beacon Journal recently reported that University of Toledo running back Harvey "Scooter" McDougle, Jr. was arrested Friday for participating in a bribery scheme to influence sporting contests. According to the article, McDougle recruited other Toledo football and basketball players to participate in the scheme, orchestrated by a Michigan man known only as "Gary." University of Toledo athletics director Mike O'Brien says that the university "just found out about [the scandal] Friday." Court documents do not indicate whether the results of any games were actually affected.

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Ohioans Indicted on Gambling, Fraud Charges
April 4, 2007

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that eight Akron-area men were charged in association with mail fraud and charitable bingo scams. According to the article, four individuals submitted false rebate requests to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for cartons of cigarettes that were never sold. This scam allegedly ran from 2000 to 2002 and netted participants more than $800,000.00.

In 2002, a new scheme was developed whereby the same individuals, as well as new participants, opened three instant bingo parlors in Akron. In Ohio, instant bingo must ordinarily be conducted by a charitable organization or a veterans / fraternal organization. The participants allegedly got around this requirement by making illegal donations to charities in exchange for using the charities' bingo licenses, or in one case, obtaining a bingo license in the name of a charity without that charity's permission. According to the article, the bingo scams brought in more than $2,500,000.00

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Cities Attempt To Regulate Skill Games
March 26, 2007

Two articles recently published in the Akron Beacon Journal illustrate recent efforts by Ohio cities to regulate so-called "skill games" within their jurisdictions. The article states that officials in Akron, Franklinton, Kent and Norton are looking into the possibility of licensing and regulating the popular games, which cost money to play and reward successful players with jackpots ranging into the thousands of dollars. The businesses are currently regulated and taxed in at least two Ohio cities, with Northfield taking 5% of the revenues from its skill games parlors and Tallmadge imposing a $1,000 annual licensing fee and an assessment of $100 per month per machine. Kent hopes to adopt a law similar to that in Tallmadge. Meanwhile, other Ohio cities, including Norton and Franklinton are considering moratoria on the parlors while they evaluate their regulatory options and wait for consensus' as to the legality of the devices.

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Tribe Elects New Leader
January 4, 2007

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has elected it's first female chief. According to an article in Tulsa World, the Tribe elected Glenna J. Wallace in November and she was sworn in on December 6th. Wallace made known her intentions to continue pursuit of Tribal gaming in Ohio and noted that the Tribe wants "to return to Ohio - to be a federally recognized tribe and to be restored in Ohio." Wallace indicated that she will resign from her current job as a communications professor at Crowder College to devote all of her time to Tribal governance.

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