Thursday, August 30, 2007
A state official said prizes must be worth $10 or less.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
LISBON — A business in St. Clair Township is one of the first the state wants to close for purportedly offering cash payoffs on games of skill.
Attorney General Marc Dann filed a civil action Wednesday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court against Strike It Rich Gaming Center, 16761 St. Clair Avenue, Calcutta.
More than 28 machines were found at the center, according to Dann’s office.
The other businesses are Lucky You Inc. in Jeffersonville in Fayette County — which had more than 100 machines; and The Treasure Chest in Tiffin in Seneca County with 14 machines, according to Dann’s office.
The state’s lawsuits contend these machines are violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act by claiming they are “skill based,” when they are actually gambling machines.
Ted Hart, Dann’s deputy director of communications, said Paul Martin was the owner at Strike it Rich, who had given authorities the same address.
Contacted about the lawsuit Wednesday by The Vindicator, Martin said, “It’s the first I’m aware of it.”
He said he has been running the business for one year and had approval to start the business from the St. Clair Township Trustees.
Martin added that he had made an investment in the machines needed to operate his businesses.
Aim of lawsuit
The lawsuits are seeking a temporary restraining order against the businesses, as well as preliminary and permanent injunctions.
The move follows a new executive order issued by Gov. Ted Strickland that clarified Ohio’s administrative codes.
In a statement, Dann said, “The rules are now clear. If a game can be won with skill and pays out in prizes worth less than $10, then it’s legal. Everything else, including any game that pays out in cash, is illegal. We will fight this battle with every necessary resource.”
Martin said he called the winnings won by players “jackpots.”
Under the changes, skill-based games at amusement parks or some restaurants can continue as long as winners get vouchers for prizes. The value must be $10 or less.
Payoffs can’t include cash, gift cards, lottery tickets or tobacco, Hart said.
The state is still trying to determine the size of the problem. Hart said people can report complaints by calling (877) AG4-OHIO or by visiting www.ag4ohio.gov.
wilkinson@vindy.com