Ohio tracks want more control over slots

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ohio horse racetracks are lobbying for more control over slot machines, including how many are allowed and how much will be paid out to winners.

Track owners detailed their concerns Monday in a meeting with officials of the Ohio Lottery, which will regulate the slots. Track owners lobbied for about two dozen changes in slot machine rules that have been approved by the Lottery Commission.

The state plans to authorize 2,500 video lottery terminals at each of seven racetracks to raise $933 million over two years to shore up a budget deficit.

Gov. Ted Strickland’s administration expects the track owners to be ready with initial slot machine application fees Sept. 15.