In his State of the State Address last month, Governor Ted Strickland proposed expanding the regulatory authority of the Ohio Lottery Commission to oversee video keno machines that would be available in bars and restaurants. According to the Toledo Blade, Strickland commented that there is a difference “between casino gambling or other kinds of gambling and the lottery, which is an activity that was voted on by the people and the people have supported for a long time.”

Under Strickland’s proposal, the devices would be operated by the state and all profits would be earmarked for schools. Ohio wouldn’t be the first state to embrace Keno in restaurants and bars. Last year in Michigan, “Club Keno” generated more than $491 million, or 21 percent of the total Michigan lottery revenues. The Ohio Lottery estimates that its Keno program could earn up to $73 million in its first year of operation.