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Most states require gamblers at casinos to be 21. Commission says issue isn't controversial
By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009
CLEVELAND: The Ohio Lottery Commission will stand on 18.
The commission on Monday approved rules for the state's new casinos, including a provision allowing 18-year-olds to play video slots when the parlors open next year at the seven horse racetracks in Ohio. The minimum age to gamble at casinos in most states is 21.
Commission members did not talk about the topic while questioning lottery staff about the rules. Also, no one from the public addressed the commission at the meeting, which state workers, lawyers, lobbyists and representatives of gaming companies and the racetracks attended.
Michael Dolan, conducting his last meeting as executive director, said afterward that the age limit wasn't considered a controversial issue, since 18-year-olds are permitted to buy lottery tickets and to gamble at horse tracks. They also can legally play poker, blackjack and other casino games at charity events, he said.
Commissioner Otto Beatty III also called the age limit a ''non-issue.'' If there are concerns, they can be raised during a required public hearing, he said.
The hearing tentatively has been set for Sept. 18 at the commission offices in Cleveland. The Ohio General Assembly's Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review also must approve the rules.
Ohio hopes to have its ''racinos'' operational by May.
Only three states — New York, Oklahoma and Rhode Island — allow casino gambling at age 18, according to the American Gaming Association.
Gov. Ted Strickland last month issued an executive order to install up to 2,500 video slots at each of Ohio's seven horse tracks as a way to raise $933 million for the state budget. The Lottery Commission is overseeing the process.
Highlights of the rules approved Monday include:
• Applications for gaming licenses are due Sept. 15, along with a $100,000 nonrefundable application fee.
• Each track owner or permit holder must make the first of five $13 million license payments — a total of $65 million — by Sept. 15. The state can fine applicants $15 million and $100,000 a day for not meeting the payment deadlines.
• The track owners or permit holders must submit a 10-year business plan and a security plan.
• The state will take a 50 percent cut of the proceeds after payouts.
• Each permit holder must make $80 million worth of improvements at the track over five years, with at least $20 million coming in the first year.
• The state will lease the video slots. State officials plan to seek bids for the machines beginning in September.
• The permit holders must provide a program for problem gamblers.
Commission members also offered several amendments to the rules, including additional background checks for technology providers and a requirement for the owners to buy at least 50 percent of their goods and services from Ohio-based companies when possible.
Submission questioned
Commissioner member Patrick McDonald questioned the requirement to submit long-term business plans. Those plans could change dramatically if Ohio voters approve additional casinos this fall, he said.
Dolan said the commission would deal with that if the issue passes.
''We can't predict the future, so the way we are proceeding is as if that is not in front of us, because we can't control it,'' Dolan said.
The commission also can't control the ongoing legal challenge to the racino plan, Dolan said after the meeting.
Dolan resigned in early August. Kathleen Burke is to assume full duties as executive director on Monday, with Dolan assisting during a transition period of one to two months.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
CLEVELAND: The Ohio Lottery Commission will stand on 18.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:23 AM, 08/18/2009
So you have to be 21 to drink but 18 to gamble?
Why do I think this new rule has more to do with making money for the state than common sense.
Posted 07:52 AM, 08/18/2009
Mostly because it does. And the Department of Transportation isn't involved with a carrot-and-stick 21 for Everyone program.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:04 AM, 08/18/2009
@The Ghost of Tom Joad, it would be 18 to drink as well if federal road money had not been tied to the 21 age.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:10 AM, 08/18/2009
I wonder iff'n Ohio intends to lease the machines, then re-lease them to the race tracks. Surely they wouldn't be stoopid enough to buy all of those machines.
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 08:48 AM, 08/18/2009
I truely believe the OSC will allow a vote of the people on this issue. Gov Stricknine will be gone next election. Ted has now alienated too many of us who supported him with bad decisions and a state budget out of control.
Posted 09:13 AM, 08/18/2009
It's ALWAYS been 18 to play the lottery in Ohio.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 09:31 AM, 08/18/2009
Jon, true about that 18 for the Lottery AND Horse Race Betting so what's the big deal about 18 for slots. If you are stupid enough to play the lottery you'll be stupid enough to play the slots. The slots are just another tax on the mathematically ignorant! Let's get real casino gambling in Ohio and stop sending Grandpa and Grandma's money out of state!
akron, oh
Posted 09:38 AM, 08/18/2009
@maddawg,
How upset are ya with your life ? Geesh.calm down a bit.no need to be so mad dawg all the time.lifes to to to to toooooo short.ease up a little hon and go enjoy the day.take a deep,fresh breath of air,appreciate what youve got .then smile cuz your still with the living:-)
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 10:13 AM, 08/18/2009
imjustusingmyhead,
Huh?
Akron, OH
Posted 11:34 AM, 08/18/2009
I wonder if each racino will be allowed to set the payout of their machines, or will the Lottery Commission set it. If the OLC sets it, you know it will probably be at the abysmal 50 percent level as in their other games.
akron, OH
Posted 11:49 AM, 08/18/2009
I just tired of Ohio spending their money in other states. Yet you must file taxes and pay in Ohio.
So you drive to Detroit, Michigan or West Virginia
we do pretty good at their casino's. You come home and pay federal and state taxes to Ohio.
So why not play and pay in Ohio!!!!
Save on gas money and play closer to home.
Orrville, Oh
Posted 05:06 PM, 08/18/2009
Reality demands 18 and 21 year old gamblers; fund their habit; with money; derived from wages or independent business profit; or scam Fathers disqualified for affirmative action with white skin, Union workers, consumers, taxpayers, and Americas grandchildren’s children; to fund them; Paying sales tax and for meth with welfare checks.
Paying for the more stock dividends (money); Hillarys (money marketers) market quarterly in the wholesale and retail price of food with food stamps.
Pay property tax Supreme Court declared UNCONSTITUTIONAL four times; and pay interest on lottery winner’s winnings legislators invest in school bonds with housing vouchers.
Pay for the more stock dividends (money) Hillarys (money marketers) market quarterly in the wholesale and retail price of prescription drugs and health care with Medicaid.
With money derived from wages or independent business profit!
Hartville, OH
Posted 08:30 AM, 08/19/2009
bring it on, let the casinos come. I would hope that people in general can control themselves. My only concern is how the Ohio state leadership will use the profits.
