Ohio governor says slots age limit should be 21

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. Ted Strickland has asked the Ohio Lottery Commission to increase the age limit for playing slot machines at race tracks from 18 to 21.

Strickland says he changed course today after considering concerns.

The commission approved proposed rules last month that would allow 18-year-olds to play slot machines to be established at Ohio’s seven horse racing tracks. The plan was part of the latest state budget, although it is being challenged in multiple lawsuits.

Ohio would join New York, Oklahoma and Rhode Island in allowing 18-year-olds to gamble.

Opponents of the plan, however, say teenagers don’t generally have the money to gamble and might have a harder time walking away from the machines than older players.