Gambling interests swarm Ohio Statehouse

COLUMBUS (AP) — Records show that gambling lobbyists descended on the Ohio Statehouse as the deadline neared for the state to balance its budget.

Legislative records reviewed by The Associated Press show that lobbyists for racetracks, lottery vendors, casino developers, bowling alleys and tavern game operators all peddled plans for expanded gambling as ways to increase state revenue.

They visited or contacted Gov. Ted Strickland, Senate President Bill Harris, the state Racing Commission and others with their pitches.

All the competing interests who lobbied have become an issue in the stalemate over Ohio’s budget, which now involves one plan to allow slots at racetracks and a competing plan to install the machines in more locations.