Emergency Slot Machine Order

The state of Ohio has issued a clear cut definition and statement for the description of slot machines, thereby removing all confusion as to what a slot machine is per state ruling. The state wants to clarify for its residents what a slot machine is so that they can be safe within the state.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has issued an Executive Order, which was carried out by Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann, that clearly states what a slot machine is. The new rule 109:1-3-31 states that a slot machine is not a “skill based machine” and to call it that is not only illegal, but is deceptive and unfair – and goes against the Consumer Sales Practices Act of Ohio.

It also went on to clearly define what a skill based amusement game was, and removed all ambiguity in the owning and operating of those machines versus slot machines. The state’s AG office will be mailing out 700 Cease and Desist letters to anyone currently in possession of said slot machines. They will have three days to remove them from public access, and those that do not comply will be sued civilly by the AG.

In addition to being sued for not removing the slot machines, they will also have to pay penalties and court costs that will be in excess of $25,000. The rule is considered temporary and will expire in 90 days. They are holding public hearings to discuss the slot machine definition and emergency ruling in Tiffin, Canton, Parma and the state capital. They say that there are somewhere around 40,000 slot machines in the state and they need to be removed.
 

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