Ohio Casinos Show Opposition to Electronic Bingo Legislation

Senate Bill 176 would legalize sports betting in Ohio. It also allows the state to start offering electronic instant bingo games. Some gaming companies are opposed to this.

Get Gaming Right Ohio is a coalition of gaming operators in the state. They are opposed to the electronic bingo machines and the sports betting bill. Penn National Gaming and JACK Entertainment support the bill, SB 176. The group wants to provide residents with information on the need for regulated, responsible, and limited gaming and sports gambling in Ohio.

The new legislation allows up to 10 electronic bingo machines to be operated by an individual veteran or fraternal organization. The organizations would not be taxed by the state on the revenues they earn from the games. Existing operators are concerned about the regulation of the bingos. For casinos, the regulations are overseen by casinos and for racinos, they are controlled by Lottery commission.