Ohio VLT Bill Clears Committee

By John Kady

Legislation to put the issue of video slot machines at Ohio's seven racetracks on the ballot was approved late Tuesday by a Senate committee.

Sen. Kevin Coughlin, chairman of the State and Local Government Committee, said the panel voted 7-1 in favor of the legislation.

The bill would use most of the funds from the estimated $500 million to $700 million annually for college scholarships.

Coughlin said he has enough votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, which would put the issue on the March 2 primary ballot.