Senate plan includes no free drinks at Ohio casinos

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s four new casinos could not have patrons younger than 21 and would be prohibited from serving complimentary drinks, under proposed rules before the Ohio Senate.

The bill introduced Monday also would require the casino operators to pay the state $50 million one-time fees and create a seven-member gaming commission to oversee the industry in Ohio. Convicted felons would be restricted from most casino jobs.

By a June 3 deadline, state lawmakers must approve legislation to implement the casino constitutional amendment that voters approved last November. It calls for casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

Introduction of a House bill is expected today. Any differences between the Senate and House versions would have to be worked out.