Arguments set June 23 in Ohio slots challenge

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Oral arguments have been set in a lawsuit alleging that Gov. John Kasich acted unconstitutionally when he decided to legalize video lottery terminals at Ohio’s seven horse tracks and share the proceeds with casino operators running the facilities.

An Ohio Supreme Court filing Tuesday says arguments will be heard June 23 on whether the conservative Ohio Roundtable has the standing to bring the suit.

The Roundtable brought the suit on behalf of a recovering gambling addict. It contends Kasich improperly expanded the Ohio Lottery by allowing the slotslike machines without getting voter approval. Attorneys for the state say the governor was within his rights.

The high court postponed proceedings in the case until a similar standing issue was resolved involving Kasich’s privatized job-creation office, Jobs-Ohio. The administration won that case.