HB 195 Summary

• Establishes licensing requirements for skill-based amusement machine operators and distributors under the Ohio Casino Control Commission, effective July 1, 2011, with machines limited to merchandise prizes worth no more than $10 per play.

• Creates licensing framework for sweepstakes terminal device operators and distributors, limiting operators to 2 locations maximum with no more than 5 devices per location and no alcohol service permitted.

• Implements county-based caps on sweepstakes terminal device licenses ranging from 4 licenses (counties with ≤50,000 population) to 64 licenses (counties with ≥500,000 population).

• Makes skill-based amusement machines and sweepstakes terminal devices subject to the same gaming regulations and criminal penalties as other gambling activities, including licensing fees set by the Commission.

• Amends existing gambling laws to prohibit redemption of skill-based amusement machine and sweepstakes terminal device prizes for cash, gift cards, alcohol, firearms, or gambling opportunities.