Slots Coming to Ohio Tracks?

State Rep. Louis Blessing said he'll introduce legislation this week to put 2,000 slot machines at each of Ohio's seven horse tracks, including River Downs in Anderson Township and Lebanon Raceway in Warren County.

Blessing, a Republican from Colerain Township, said it can be done without Ohio voter approval if the gambling is regulated by the Ohio Lottery Commission, which already oversees Keno.

Possible bankruptcy of Ohio horse tracks makes passing state legislation this year more urgent than ever, according to Blessing.

Jack Hanessian, general manager at River Downs, said he's already competing against two Indiana horse tracks that offer slot machines.

"We've had tremendous losing years, and these are actual cash losses ... and it's gotten more severe in the last three or four years."

Expanded gambling options generate more "purse money" for horse owners, and that attracts quality horses, Hanessian said. "If you don't have the purse money, they won't come."

Blessing said he thinks the proposal has enough votes to pass in the Ohio House, although Gov. Ted Strickland said he will likely veto any new gambling legislation that excludes a statewide vote of Ohioans.

For the complete story, please see Jon Craig and Allison D'Aurora, Bill would put slots at Ohio tracks, The Cincinnati Enquirer, April 12, 2009.