Ohio groups reject offer of new gaming machines

COLUMBUS (AP) — A coalition of Ohio veterans posts and fraternal organizations rejected the offer of new gambling machines to replace the video raffles that were deemed by the state to be illegal.

The Ohio Lottery Commission said last month that it would offer 1,200 next-generation machines to veterans posts and fraternal lodges. They would replace video raffles that Attorney General Mike DeWine declared illegal gambling devices and ordered removed.

But the leaders of six statewide organizations sent a letter Wednesday to Gov. John Kasich and state legislators, saying they don’t want the machines, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

They said the lottery deal would not provide posts and lodges with enough money to cover operating costs and continue giving money to charity. They noted that “much if not all of our charitable support would dry up.”