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Ohio bill would bring instant racing terminals to tracks

OHIO – As reported by the Akron Beacon Journal: "O…hio legislators are debating whether to allow instant racing terminals at the state's seven horse racetracks, including Northfield Park in northern Summit County. The goal is to help an industry that has been hurt by legalized slot-machine and casino gambling in neighboring states. Bills sponsored by Republicans have been introduced in both the House and Senate. The Republicans control both chambers.

"The proposal has rekindled a debate about gambling just months after Ohio voters rejected a separate proposal to bring slot machines to the tracks.

"…The machines, which have a library of about 100,000 races, give gamblers the winning percentages of jockeys, trainers and horses. But the dates and locations of the races and the names of the horses remain hidden.

"Gamblers, who can spend a quarter or $1, pick horses to win and then watch a video replay of the race. The amount won depends on the number of other bettors.

"The idea is to allow bets on horse races at any time, rather than waiting for live races.

"…The Ohio horse racing industry has struggled in recent years as Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia have opened `'racinos' -- the term for a combined slot-machine parlor and racetrack…"

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