On June 12th, 2008, groups from the Ohio Lottery are currently in the middle of inspecting local bars to decide on which will offer the new game of keno. Governor Ted Strickland commented that keno is expected to produce around $73 million which will greatly help the budget deficit of the state. But not everyone is in favor of the plan and not even because that it is another gambling entertainment.
Grace Avenue in Madisonville does not look like it has a casino facility, but in a matter of few weeks, people will have more entertainment options if they visit Angelo's Pizza. Business owner Donna Walls commented that she thinks that the Ohio Lottery keno terminals will help her Pizza place to attract more customers. She added that the game of keno can be compared to bingo or a typical lottery.
In the coming weeks, more than 24 bards will add video screens to accommodate keno in their establishments. Pat Carroll of Norwood disagrees with Governor Strickland's assumption that it will produce around $73 million is not right.
Carroll is a member of the Buckeye Liquor Permit Association. He said that the current smoking ban in Ohio is killing bars in the area and that the keno game is just only an unnecessary expense especially with buying the equipment. Bill Seitz, the Ohio State Senator commented that a lot of business owners are now relocating their business in Argosy because of the smoking ban.
[08-07]
John M. Thorpe
