As audit questions linger over last game, new one starts at Barry Dyngles

AUSTINTOWN

As the Queen of Hearts game resumes at Barry Dyngles, questions remain about the game’s legality.

After Molly Blair of Warren won $1.8 million in the last drawing at the 1601 S. Raccoon Road pub, there was talk that an audit would be done.

When reached for comment Wednesday, the Ohio Auditor’s Office and the Ohio Inspector General’s Office said they did not perform an audit after the game.

That audit would have verified that the money from every ticket sold was a part of the 100 percent payout Blair received.

“Our office does not have jurisdiction to be involved with any sort of investigation in connection with that activity, so we have not conducted any audit,” said Carl Enslen, Ohio deputy inspector general.

“If we had, we couldn’t disclose that – it’s taxpayer confidentiality,” said Gary Gudmunson, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Officials from the Mahoning County Auditor’s Office also said they did not perform an audit.

Pub general manager Doug Duganne said ticket sales began at 11 a.m. Wednesday for the new game, and he said no state agencies performed an audit after the previous game. He also said the pub would be open to an audit if asked.

Read more about the new game rules in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.