On Monday, as expected, the Ohio Lottery Commission took two steps to restart video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Ohio’s seven horse racing tracks.

First they scrapped the original rules set forth back in 2009. Those rules limited each track to 2,500 devices and committed half the revenue to the state. The new rules allow the seven tracks to operate slots 24/7 and state that players must be 21 or older.

The second step taken by the Lottery Commission was to vote to seek court approval of slot machines at the tracks. However, officials did not indicate which court they would ask for legal clarity on the constitutionality of slots or what legal strategy they may employ.

Other questions were similarly left unanswered.

How much revenue could the state expect to receive from slots? Governor Strickland’s advisers originally projected $933 million, which included a one-time license fee of $65 million per track ($50 million for each casino) and the state’s proposed 50% take (as opposed to a 33% take from the casinos). The proposed 50% take will most likely decrease due to competition from the casinos. Lottery Director Kathleen Burke indicated the financial terms would have to change, saying “because the competitive landscape has changed, that will have an impact on the rate.”

How quickly can racetrack slots be up and running? Track owners are eager to beat the casinos to opening day. Most casinos are due to start opening in 2012, although a temporary one may open in Cleveland sooner. Potential legal action could impede the track owners. The Ohio Roundtable has already threatened a lawsuit.