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Gaming bill could be put to test |
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Friday, 26 October 2007 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — A freshly signed bill by Gov. Ted Strickland placing restrictions skill-based amusement machines could be put to the test in Auglaize County.
On Thursday, Strickland signed House Bill 177 — which limits payouts and prizes paid to players of the skill-based machines to $10. The bill, fast-tracked through the Ohio House and Senate, was in response to the growing number of machines similar to the tic-tac-fruit devices that cropped up in bars across the state.
Auglaize County Sheriff Al Solomon told The Evening Leader Thursday he reviewed the measure because of recent interest a company showed in placing a “gaming parlor” within the county near Cridersville. Solomon said he has yet to talk to officials from the company since Strickland signed House Bill 177.
“I can tell you there is interest in placing one within the county — that I am aware of,” Solomon said. “Prior to the ruling he told us they were legal but I think we are going to have to wait until the dust settles from the law and see what happens from this point.”
Solomon said he supported the passage of the measure and Strickland’s signing of it. The sheriff said he plans to meet with other county officials to discuss the matter if plans for the gaming parlor move forward.
“We are still trying to get some information on what it coming and what they are planning,” Solomon said. “If they are illegal, we will confer with the county prosecutor and take the necessary action. However I think the best thing we can do is to wait for the fallout and get an opinion from the prosecutor.”
Cridersville Police Chief John Drake confirmed to The Evening Leader an individual made contact with village officials regarding the placement of a gaming parlor within the village limits.
Drake said he believed the proposed location of the parlor within the village was in one of the empty buildings at the intersection of County Road 25A and Main Street.
“We did have some one stop in and say they wanted to put in gaming machines but I am not sure which kind,” Drake said. “From my understanding they were games of skill.”
Drake said in order for the individual to open such a business, they would have to obtain a special use permit from the village’s zoning board. Drake said the process has yet to reach that point.
“For that type of operation, they need a special permit,” Drake said. “He hasn’t taken that step to apply for the permit yet. We are going to keep our eye on it and I want to talk to him about what type of games he plans to put in.”
Like Solomon, Drake said he planned to check with Auglaize County Prosecuting Attorney Ed Pierce on the status of the proposed parlors in light of House Bill 177.
Drake said voters consistently voted against expanding gambling in Ohio — a decision he said he plans to uphold.
“It is obvious people in Ohio said they don’t want gambling here,” Drake said. “If these games are legal, we will tell people so they know about it. However if they are illegal, we will check with the prosecutor and take action.”
State Senator Keith Faber, R-Celina, said last week he voted in favor of House Bill 177.
The Celina attorney said the decision to expand gambling should be made by Ohioans.
“I have consistently said gambling in Ohio needs to be decided by the voters,” Faber said. “I don’t think the legislature is the place.”
Faber said provisions included in the measure protect certain types of games — including dart and pool tournaments as well as bowling events.
Faber said the stipulations were included to make sure the root of the problem was addressed.
“We spent five years trying to correct the bingo bill,” Faber said. “Whenever we mess with gambling issues, we have to make sure we get it right.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 October 2007 )
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