The House State + Local Government Committee heard testimony this week from several hospitality groups seeking inclusion in a measure that would allow video lottery terminals at Ohio’s ailing racetracks. Representatives from the Ohio Hospitality Coalition are requesting that the committee expand the bill to allow for VLTs at bowling alleys and off-track betting sites.

The primary co-sponsors of House Bill 250 are meeting with interested parties in order to hammer out potential amendments that address tax rates and upfront licensing fees. The bill was introduced prior to the passage of State Issue 3, which authorized four casinos to pay a much lower tax rate than the 50% currently in the bill. Committee Chairman Representative Ronald Gerberry (D-Austintown) is supportive of the measure, but said that he doesn’t plan to continue hearings if it lacks the support needed to clear committee.