The Ohio House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the budget requiring casinos to pay the commercial activity tax on all bets wagered, not gross revenue minus winnings paid out. Penn National is strongly opposed and reiterated its threat to file legal action if this amendment is passed. The budget will now go to the Senate for approval.

In other news, Ohio Casino Control Commission Chairwoman Jo Ann Davidson has indicated that, while trying to work within the time frame of the casino developers, there are no guarantees licenses will be granted to Penn National or Rock Ohio Caesars. Michigan had a similar situation where licenses were denied to certain owners and they ended up selling their ownership stock after construction had begun.

Davidson went on to say that a rule would soon be filed that outlines instructions for the licensing application, which is the top priority of the Commission.