Hearing set in case of gaming center

A spokesman for Ohio
Attorney Marc Dann said the games make $250
million a month.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

SALEM — A lawsuit against a gaming center in Columbiana County may be the first of its kind in the state.

A hearing for a preliminary injunction is set for 1 p.m. Thursday before Judge C. Ashley Pike of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann’s office in August filed lawsuits against three gaming centers.

Strike It Rich Gaming Center, 16761 St. Clair Ave. in St. Clair Township, has more than 28 machines, according to Dann’s office.

Owner Tom Martin said Tuesday he has continued to operate since the case was filed.

Martin said he would have his say at the hearing and the state would have its say.

The other businesses sued are Lucky You Inc. in Jeffersonville in Fayette County, which has more than 100 machines; and The Treasure Chest in Tiffin in Seneca County with 14 machines, according to Dann’s office.

Leo Jennings, Dann’s communications director, said that according to the office’s legal staff, hearings were scheduled in a variety of courts but they had all been postponed for various reasons. If the one in Columbiana County goes forward, it will be the first, he said.

The names of some of the games at Strike it Rich include “Guess,” “World War II” and “Double Derby.”

The lawsuits contend these machines are violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act by claiming they are “skill based,” when they are not. The act is designed to prohibit unfair, deceptive and unconscionable practices.

Jennings said that the Legislature this week may close the loophole that has allowed the gaming to continue to operate.

Earlier this year, Gov. Ted Strickland issued an executive order that clarified Ohio’s administrative codes. That allowed skill-based games at amusement parks and some restaurants to continue to operate as long as winners get vouchers for prizes. Payoffs must be $10 or less. The payoffs cannot include cash, gift cards, lottery tickets or tobacco.

Martin said public opinion is overwhelmingly against Strickland on the issue.

Jennings said that wi th the electronic games, “there is no skill involved. You have less of a chance of winning than if you go to Las Vegas or Atlantic City.”

The difference in those cities is that the state determines the payout rates. In Ohio, the games take in an estimated $250 million a month, he added.

wilkinson@vindy.com