The Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives have introduced separate
bills each of which would legalize iGaming (internet gaming) through Ohio’s 4
casinos and 7 racinos without any share of the profits going to horsemen.
Please contact your Senator and member of the House and let them know you oppose
SB 197 and HB 298 UNLESS amendments are made to provide a percentage of iGaming
revenue to Ohio’s horsemen.
Below are talking points which can be used in conversation with your
legislators:
SB 197 talking points
We have three concerns with the bill
1) The bill upsets the balance wisely created when Video Lottery Terminals
(VLTs) were legalized in 2013. VLTs are an essential source of funding for the
horse racing industry.
a. Increased purses from approximately $28 million in 2012 to almost $140
million in 2023
b. Increased horse racing’s economic impact to $2.7 billion
c. Supported foal breeding increase. The number of Ohio thoroughbred foals more
than doubled from 2012 through 2023.
2) The bill will result in hundreds or thousands of lost jobs.
a. SB 197 would cost Ohio’s racinos an estimated 18.5% of their revenue
b. Result in the loss of over 2,000 jobs
3) The bill would eliminate the racing commission
a. Racing commission is essential for industry prosperity and safety for over
100 years
HB 298 talking points
We have two concerns with the bill
1) The bill upsets the balance wisely created when Video Lottery Terminals
(VLTs) were legalized in 2013. VLTs are an essential source of funding for the
horse racing industry.
a. Increased burses from approximately $28 million in 2012 to almost $140
million in 2023
b. Increased horse racing’s economic impact to $2.7 billion
c. Supported foal breeding increase. The number of thoroughbred foals more than
doubled from 2012 through 2023.
2) The bill will result in hundreds or thousands of lost jobs.
a. HB 298 would cost Ohio’s racinos an estimated 18.5% of their revenue
b. Result in the loss of over 2,000 jobs
Below is a link where you can find your Senator and House member by entering
your address. Click on the Senator or House members name and you will see
information including a phone number to contact them at.