Slot ‘type’ machines could be coming to bars and restaurants in Ohio

Two Ohio House Republicans introduced a bill which could bring video lottery terminals (VLT), or what are sometimes called e-bingo machines, to retailers like bars and restaurants. A couple of weeks ago both the House and the Senate pitched bills to make iGaming, or gambling, legal on everyone’s phone and digital devices.

Support for such a large increase in gambling does not appear to be there, so this new bill looks to be a smaller step but still a chance to generate new revenue for education.

Currently only veteran and fraternal organizations like VFWs, American Legions, Eagles and Elks lodges are authorized to have e-bingo terminals.

Each location can have a maximum of 10 machines and all revenue generated, which is not taxed, must be given to charities within the communities.

This new bill would expand that program but with different rules.

Each new location, like a bar or restaurant would be allowed only 7 machines and the license for those machines must be held by a non-profit and not the retailer.

Of the money generated, 50% would go directly into the Ohio Lottery Education Fund which supports schools.

“We are not reinventing the wheel,” said Gayle Manning (R-Avon) co-sponsor on the bill. “We are expanding participation in a structured, transparent and responsible way while insuring new revenue benefits Ohio schools, our local communities and veteran and fraternal organizations that serve the public.”

This is the first introduction of this bill but already Democrats on the House Finance Committee have concerns.

“Are there not other revenue streams that would make more sense than expanding access to some of the most addicting machines and behaviors that are know across the country when you introduce VLTs that cluster in lower income communities?” asked Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati). “Places where people can least afford it.”