Gaming bill goes to governor

The state House approved the amended measure Tuesday.

COLUMBUS — As expected, the Ohio House has concurred on legislation banning skill-based amusement games that pay cash prizes, and Gov. Ted Strickland will sign the bill in short order.

The final House vote on Amended Substitute House Bill 177 was 84-10, with mostly Cleveland-area Democrats in opposition.

Those voting no were Reps. Louis Blessing Jr., R-Cincinnati; Barbara Boyd, D-Cleveland Heights; Kathleen Chandler, D-Kent; John Domenick, D-Smithfield; Mike Foley, D-Cleveland; Eugene Miller, D-Cleveland; Michael Skindell, D-Lakewood; Lynn Wachtmann, R-Napoleon; Sandra Williams, D-Cleveland; and Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights.

There were no comments offered from the floor Tuesday on the legislation, which was approved by the chamber and the state Senate earlier this month.

In its original form, the bill proposed changing a long-standing state law to allow one person or group to own and operate two separate racetracks (under existing law, owners can have only one). The skill games amendment was added from the floor of the House.

The final bill caps prizes won from “mechanical, video, digital or electronic” devices at a wholesale value of $10. Cash, gift cards, lottery tickets, firearms, tobacco and alcoholic beverages could not be awarded. Amusement games that offer stuffed animals as prizes would not be affected.

Individuals found guilty of violating the law would be subject to escalating penalties: A first-time offense would be considered a first-degree misdemeanor, and repeat offenders could face felony charges.

The legislation was approved under an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect as soon as it is signed by the governor.

According to Karen Tabor, spokeswoman for House Speaker Jon Husted, the legislation will be sent to Strickland “in a timely manner.”

“The governor will be signing it as soon as he receives it,” said Keith Dailey, Strickland’s spokesman.