Even though the casinos were not the result of legislative action, but rather from a voter initiative which amended the constitution, we do need to assure that they will operate transparently, fairly and in the best interests of all Ohioans. Over the last few months, we have consulted with many of the nations’ leading gaming industry experts, as well as local entities who may be impacted by casinos in Ohio to offer their advice on the appropriate language for the casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo.
The casinos will be regulated by a seven-member Ohio Casino Control Commission responsible for the licensure, regulation and oversight of casino gaming for the state, which includes electronic skill-based amusement machines, or games-of-skill. The appointees and the chair of the Commission will be selected by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate. Members would serve four-year staggered terms and could be reappointed for a total of three terms.
We also created the Permanent Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering which will be made up of three members appointed by the President of the Senate and three members appointed by the Speaker of the House. The committee will review constitutional amendments, laws and rules governing the operation and administration of casino gaming and recommend changes.
The bill also carves up half of the $200 million in licensing fees expected from casinos in the four cities. This money will then be appropriated by splitting the money between urban and rural areas, rather than focusing on urban cities as the House had proposed. This money will be used to establish new training programs to assist unemployed workers from Ohio’s urban centers and rural communities to get back to work which will help accelerate Ohio’s economic recovery. Some of the money will also go towards the state’s co-op/internship program aimed at keeping Ohioans right here in Ohio.
Regarding the operation of the casinos once open for business, patrons must be 21 years of age and casinos must use a cashless wagering system with minimum and maximum wagers determined by the casino operators with the approval of the Casino Control Commission. Consistent with current tobacco and alcohol regulations, casinos will be subject to Ohio’s indoor smoking ban, may not offer complimentary drinks and may only serve alcohol between the hours of 5:30 am and 2:30 am, as allowed under current law. This puts casinos on an even playing field with fellow hospitality businesses.
I am confident that the legislation strikes the appropriate balance, honoring the wishes of Ohio voters, a majority of whom voted to authorize casinos, while providing the appropriate oversight and regulation of the industry in Ohio. The language created will be beneficial to all Ohioans and accomplishes one of the main goals of creating jobs. I appreciate all the countless hours that my colleagues put in to getting this important piece of legislation passed as well as the cooperation between both chambers.
