Ohio court: Anti-gambling group can't sue over VLTs

COLUMBUS (AP) — An Ohio court delivered a setback today to an anti-gambling group that’s seeking to challenge Gov. John Kasich’s decision to legalize slots-like video lottery terminals at Ohio’s seven horse tracks.

In a unanimous ruling, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s ruling that the Ohio Roundtable lacks legal standing and cannot proceed.

Roundtable Vice President Rob Walgate said the group is weighing its next legal move. The overall suit argues Kasich improperly expanded the lottery by allowing the devices without putting the question to voters.

“The Ohio appellate court has sent a clear message to Gov. Kasich, the Ohio Legislature and the gambling industry: They may do whatever they please regardless of the Ohio Constitution,” Walgate said.