Justices to weigh standing in Ohio slots challenge

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s high court has agreed to determine whether opponents of slots-like video lottery terminals legalized by Gov. John Kasich have the standing to sue.

The Ohio Supreme Court’s decision today came at the request of an anti-gambling group that’s challenging Kasich’s decision to allow VLTs at the state’s seven horse tracks. The 10th District Court of Appeals unanimously upheld a lower court’s ruling in March, saying the Ohio Roundtable lacked legal standing in the case and couldn’t proceed.

The suit argues Kasich improperly expanded the Ohio Lottery by allowing the devices without putting the question to voters. Attorneys for the state say the governor was within his rights.

Justices indicated they’ll hold judgment in the Roundtable case until they’ve decided standing for opponents of Kasich’s privatized job-creation office, JobsOhio.