Officials in Ohio are currently battling over a proposal that would bring Keno to the state. Governor Strickland has put into motion keno type games that for Ohio that would fill the budget deficit but anti gambling forces are trying to squash the governor's efforts to add keno games to their lottery systems.

Legislative supporters on an anti keno bill say that they are not giving up their fight and believe that the tide may soon turn in their direction. There is a good reason to bring keno into the state as it could generate over 70 million dollars for the state, according to the governor. Keno can be played in just a few minutes and would be located at existing lottery locations.

Ron Amstutz, a Republican from Wooster is opposed to the proposal saying, "Frankly, keno is a jazzy addictive form of pure numbers, the crack cocaine of gambling". But other lawmakers say that the games and other gambling would help the states economics.

"I believe we should expand gambling because we are losing to other states that are offering expanded forms of gambling," said Bill Seitz, a Republican from Cincinnati.

The governor's keno plan has to make it through two statehouse committees, but not a full house or senate vote. So far a hearing date for the anti keno plan hasn't been scheduled.








- 2008-04-15