Ohio Tracks Place Kiosks
Court Language Allows Skill Playing Machines; Slots Still Out
While Ohio courts sort out ballot votes, executives orders, and restraining orders, horse racing track managers are installing skill playing kiosks.
Michael Weiss, executive vice president of Beulah Park, Columbus, Ohio, took his stand last week during the legal lull over slots and approved the installation of kiosk machines at the track.
Claiming the aim to satisfy customers as have business enterprises around Beulah Park, Weiss said he intends to add to the ten kiosk gaming machines put at the track two weeks ago.
Last November, a ballot vote resulted in Ohioans voting 57 percent to 43 percent against the addition of slot machines at Ohio's seven horse racing tracks and at two casinos in Cleveland's downtown area. Regardless of the vote, kiosk machines have begun appearing at Ohio's tracks late this summer.
What Separates Kiosk and Slot Machines?
It's a fine line difference that separates slot and kiosk machines. Tic Tac Fruit and Nudge Master, manufacturers of kiosk machines, say kiosk gaming requires skill playing; therefore it is not gambling, which is against the law in Ohio.
A slots campaign leader, Neil S. Clark, contends that there is no reason race tracks should be shut out from participating in the gaming business when courts have ruled since 2003 that skill-based amusement machines are allowable. Kiosks currently fall into the skill playing category.
Even an executive order by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland last month (August) met with a restraining order. The governor's ban on $10 payouts, or more, in cash, or prizes from wagering devices was blocked from enforcement by a restraining order obtained by Tic Tac Fruit and Nudge Master. The order holds until the Ohio courts can sort out the gaming question.
In the meantime, the kiosks are in, based on the hair line wording of skill-based amusement machines.
Not All Tracks on The Bandwagon
While opinions continue to vary, other race parks are considering the placement of kiosks. Northfield Park, Cleveland general manager Tom Aldridge said his slant is to hold off until the state's legal decision comes in. He anticipates kiosk and slot machines will attract more than just race goers.
Cincinnati's River Downs track has placed kiosks over the last two weeks.
Some tracks claim financial losses since last November's vote are driving the decision to install gaming devices. Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann's spokesman, Leo Jennings, said state investigators will monitor the tracks currently allowing the kiosks.
Economics Effect Industry
Scioto Downs Race Track (Columbus) general manager Stacy Cahill said last spring that Ohio is "lagging way behind" in the slots issue. She fears Ohio will lose its racing business and best competitors to surrounding state tracks that are on the slots bandwagon and can offer bigger purses.
An economic trickle down could result, she said, effecting competitors and their equipment and feed suppliers, as well as farm labor and the veterinary industry.
