Ohio Attorney General Dann Joins Governor Strickland In Calling For Restrictions On Electronic Gaming

Says ban on cash payouts offer best solution to growing dilemma

June 12, 2007 -- COLUMBUS - Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann today joined Governor Ted Strickland in asking the Ohio General Assembly to deal with the unregulated and unfettered proliferation of electronic gaming devices in the state by banning cash payouts from the machines. Mr. Dann and Mr. Strickland offered their solution in response to growing calls for action from law enforcement and local elected officials who have been handcuffed by an ambiguity in state law that makes games of skill legal in the state.

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The Attorney General and the Governor stated that banning cash payouts is a more effective and concrete way of dealing with the problem than testing each machine to determine if it is a legal game of skill under existing Ohio law or an illegal game of chance. “The fact is, it is impossible to tell if a machine is legal or illegal simply by looking at it from the outside,” Mr. Dann said.

“It takes time, expertise, and a considerable amount of money to do so and that is the situation game manufacturers have been exploiting to the detriment of our state. Banning cash payouts sets a clear, unequivocal standard that will give law enforcement the ability to act decisively. The Governor and I urge the Legislature to give local police and prosecutors, as well as the Department of Public Safety, the tools needed to stem the tide of unregulated electronic gaming.”

Mr. Dann said he will not go forward with plans to test the devices to verify that a particular model is a game of skill in order to give the Legislature time to act. “Literally millions of dollars are flowing through these machines unchecked and untaxed,” Mr. Dann said. “I believe the time has come to impose strict regulations on this activity and I look forward to working with the Governor and legislative leaders to craft a measure that satisfies the will of the people,” the Attorney General concluded.

Source: Ohio Attorney General