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Like many states, Ohio is strongly debating as to whether gambling should be expanded with slot machines.  Recently a brand new voice has emerged in the argument.  Tavern owners would like to operate slot machines but the machines face major opposition from many angles, even the State Governor himself.  However, a group representing bar owners has come up with a plan to bring slot machines to Ohio that would not require an amendment to the state constitution.

Under this new plan formulated by a group representing liquor serving establishments Ohio could install 80,000 slot machines, authorized by the Ohio Lottery, at several locations, including veterans halls, bars, restaurants, bingo halls, and horse racing venues. 

The plan would require that votes be held by citizens in their cities, village, and neighborhoods in what would essentially be precinct by precinct polling.  This is the same method used when Ohio determined whether it was legal to sell liquor on Sundays. 

“Our proposal answers a lot of the critics in that we are giving the people of Ohio a vote,” said founder and president of the Northern Ohio Hospitality & Entertainment Coalition, David George Jr.,

“Right now if the bar or tavern wanted to get liquor sales on Sunday, they would have to go through a precinct vote to get wet,” continued George.

“So the whole entire system is set up. You go door to door to get enough signatures to get it on the ballot in your area.”

The struggle to bring slot machines to Ohio is not remotely new.  Over the past twenty years four different slot machine proposals have been defeated including a proposal that surfaced as recently as the past November.

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