Veterans groups ignore ban on raffle machines
Associated Press
CLEVELAND
Ohio veterans and fraternal groups have continued to set up electronic raffle machines in posts and lodges disregarding a warning from the state’s attorney general that devices are illegal.
The Plain Dealer in Cleveland reports several groups have installed more of the slots-like machines since April when Attorney General Mike DeWine set an Aug. 1 deadline for all the devices to be removed.
The machines’ $1 raffle tickets function like instant lottery tickets. Winners can earn up to $1,199 — just a dollar shy of the threshold for tax reporting.
A DeWine spokesman this week said DeWine decided to delay enforcing the ban after state Senate leaders notified him that they’re considering legalizing the devices.
A Senate leadership spokesman says law- makers don’t have a definite timetable on the issue.