Ohio Court allow Lotto Slots

27th September 2009 11:11 AM

A few weeks ago we brought you news of how the Ohio Lottery may be breaking Lottery laws in the installation of slots at horse racing tracks in the state. Now it’s been decided by the Ohio Court to allow Lotto slots in a decision that is bound to upset the groups opposed to the idea.

It was originally thought that slots broke lottery laws but now a court has decided that the installation of up to 17,500 slot machine at horse racing tracks around Ohio is allowed. The decision is still subject to a state-wide referendum but the Ohio Supreme Court have no issue with the installation of the lottery slots which could raise as much as $933 million for the state.

The high court saw a six to one ruling for the referendum although the earliest date for the referendum would be November 2010. The Ohio Governor, Ted Strickland who was originally opposed to the idea is said to be disappointed by the decision which would see the lottery terminals address a $3.2 billion shortfall in the state’s new two-year budget.

For many opponents this is seen as a good decision, as they argued that the state constitution requires voter approval of any amendment to the gambling plan and the referendum will now ensure that goes ahead.

We at WorldLottery will of course bring you more news of the lottery slots decision as it happens but for us, and many of the opposing groups this is a shock decision by the courts, who many believed would uphold the decision that they were actually against lottery laws.

Written by Kath C

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