Bar, Bowling Owners Desperate For More Machines From Ohio Lottery

Thanks to all of the hospitality community for, once again, supporting the 15th annual Buckeye Bar Expo.

There are topics that are always fun or educational to hear about. Then, there are aspects of the input from members that turn into a call for action. We heard that loud and clear on the issue of more “new Keno” machines from the Lottery.

We received responses from almost 100 participants asking for three or more “new Keno” machines. This was expressed at many parts of the show. In addition, following the show we heard from others. We estimate that the existing call for more machines just to the OLBA to be somewhere over 600 requests.

Interestingly enough, the exhibit that was most in demand was the Ohio Lottery showcasing their new Keno device. Bar and bowling proprietors flocked to the exhibit to see the latest in technology that the Lottery has to offer. The first 1,000 machines were placed in locations this past summer and the results have been outstanding. Locations that didn’t receive one of the initial units are desperate to quickly receive a machine.

“Sometimes our members aren’t sure about approaching the Lottery, so we brought the Ohio Lottery to them. It was very successful.” said OLBA President Kathy Bean.

Kenny Rehm, owner of Kenny’s Sports Bar in Cincinnati, said he came to the expo just to hear more about the devices. He said a bar owner near him has been trying unsuccessfully to get the new games. He desperately needs to get a machine for his bar to remain competitive with the growing gaming landscape in Ohio.

Any bar that is interested in obtaining the new machines should call the Ohio Lottery at 800-686-4208.

If you have questions about what kind of games that you can offer legally in your bar, then contact the OLBA state office at 800-678-5995. Kevin Braig, partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, is ready to help. He practices gaming law with an emphasis on skill-based amusement machines, charitable gaming, daily fantasy sports wagering, sports betting and software development related to all types of gaming.

Phil Craig is executive director of Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, 37 W. Broad St., Suite 480, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, 614-224-3840 or 800-678-5995.