Gambling lobbyists court Ohio legislators

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.

Some of the entities that recorded gambling- or gaming-related lobbying activity with the executive or legislative branches in Ohio during the first quarter of this year:

Mountaineer Gaming (also MTR Gaming Inc., Scioto Downs)

Penn National Gaming Inc.

Jacobs Entertainment Inc.

Intralot, USA

Ohio Coin Machine Association

, Inc.

Ohio Legacy Fund (representing horse racing tracks)

Ohio Council of Retail Merchants

Ohio Fair Managers Association

Allied Clubs and Charities of Ohio

Bowling Center Association of Ohio

Northfield Park, River Downs, Thistledown Racing Club

Source: Ohio Legislative Inspector General