The Ohio Lottery Commission will govern video slots at the horse racing tracks while the Ohio Casino Control Commission will govern the casinos. Earlier this week, the Ohio Lottery Commission approved preliminary rules that would allow Ohio’s seven horse racing tracks to operate video slots 24/7. This is an option, not a requirement, designed to allow the tracks to be competitive with the casinos currently being built.

Other proposed rules approved:

• No racetrack can have more than 2,500 video lottery terminals, unless approved by the lottery director;
• Slots and horse racing wagering areas must be kept clearly separate;
• Security camera video must be retained a minimum of 14 days.

These proposed rules will now be subject to a public hearing before the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review sometime in the next two months. If okayed, the rules will go back to the lottery commission for final approval.