The Ohio Supreme Court has struck down the state’s plan to put up to 17,500 video lottery terminals at horse racing tracks. LetOhioVote.org filed a lawsuit, arguing that the state constitution requires voter approval of the state’s gambling plan.
The state had argued that the plan not subject to voter approval because it was part of appropriation process and revenues were allocated to education. The court ordered the Secretary of State to allow the plaintiffs to pursue a referendum. Meanwhile, the state will forego the expected revenues of $933 million over two years until a refendum may be placed on the November 2010 ballot. The state was expecting to use the projected revenues to address a $3.2 billion shortfall in the latest two-year budget, in order not to raise taxes.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2130498420090921
Tags: gambling, referendum, video lottery
