Cash Prize Slot Machine Gambling Coming To An End in Ohio

There has been much legal battle in the state of Ohio in the past year after it has been found that games of skill were exempt from anti gambling laws, now all the legal battling will come to an end as Governor Ted Strickland has signed legislation to make all machines that pay out money illegal.

Several slot parlor owners had found loopholes in previous laws, claiming the machines they had in their establishments were games of skill and not chance, and that has allowed them to stay open.

Now, these parlors will have no choice but to shut down after the new laws say that any machine that gives a cash payout will be considered illegal.

One parlor, Spin-To-Walk, in Norwalk, has been one of the spots that people were going to enjoy popular slot games, but even while they were legal, they still received hassle from the police.

Owner David Pugh said that he has been receiving citations nearly every day since August. He is now suing the city in Federal Court claiming that the city is discriminating against his business, and although he might win the suit from damages from the past, it does not appear that his place of business will survive this latest attempt by government to stop the gambling.

House Bill 77, which was signed today, will make any gaming machine that features cash prizes illegal in the state.



2007-10-25