Ohio Lottery Approves Slots Rules; Open 24-Hours a Day and Legal for 18-Year-Olds & Up

Slots are coming to Ohio's race tracks, but with a slightly different twist than those found in neighboring states like Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The Ohio Lottery Commission met today and voted on the rules for slots in the state, making it legal for those 18 and up to play and for the slots to be in operation 24 hours a day.

Even allowing slots at Ohio's race tracks has been a hot-button issue. Many are opposed to the measure. But the rules approved today have proven to be even more controversial. Some would argue that by making it legal for those as young as 18, as opposed to 21 like in other states, to play the slot machines, and at any time of the day they choose, we are simply promoting gambling, feeding potential addictions, and corrupting our youth.

However, I would argue that those who wish to gamble will find a way to do it. Under-21s could easily hop the northern border and gamble in Canada beginning at age 19, the same age that drinking is legal there as well. There's also online gambling, which is illegal in the U.S., but that's not stopping anyone and the business continues to boom. Those who will partake in the slot machines in Ohio would find an outlet to gamble regardless of what is legal in the state.

Ohio is far behind its neighbors in terms of gambling, and needs something to set it apart from their competition. Ohio's slots need something to draw in people from surrounding states, and not just locals. Opening up the slots to 18-year-olds and up will reach another demographic and will give another age group reason to travel to Ohio, where they will spend their money and inject cash into our struggling economy.

Keeping the slots open all day long won't result in massive groups at 4am. If you've ever been to other casinos open all day long, you'd realize the patterns of other guests. Sure, a few people might stay up into the wee morning hours pulling the arm on the slot machines, but most will partake during normal business hours. Being open longer hours also means more jobs for the state, which means more income for the workers, which means more spending by the family and more cash back into the ailing economy.

.