The Ohio Racing Commission has been front and center in recent weeks backing measures to allow slot machines in racetracks as an extension of the Ohio Lottery program. The Commission is looking for legislative backing to install up to 2,000 slot machine-like terminals at each of Ohio’s seven racetracks. The “video lottery terminals” would draw a $50 million dollar licensing fee from each racetrack. In addition, the state would receive half of the profit going forward to help fund Ohio’s schools. Because of the plan’s connection to the lottery, the racing commission insists that voter approval is not required.

The racetrack-only plan is not related to a proposed ballot issue that would permit as many as 83,300 slot machines at racetracks, bars, private clubs, and charitable establishments like veterans’ organizations. It is also separate from a recent proposal endorsed by The Bowling Centers Association of Ohio that would allow up to 10 slot machines to be installed at each of the state’s participating bowling alleys. Much like the racetrack plan, the bowling alley proposal would be an extension of the Ohio Lottery system and generate revenue for the lottery’s education fund.