After delay, Ohio AG to crack down on use of raffle machines by veterans, fraternal groups

10/17/2013

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s attorney general has ordered veterans and fraternal groups to stop operating electronic raffle machines that he describes as illegal slot games.

Attorney General Mike DeWine ordered that the devices be removed by Aug. 1 but delayed enforcing the ban because lawmakers said they were considering legalizing the machines. Such legislation has not been introduced.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the head of his office’s charitable law section sent a letter to the veterans and fraternal groups Wednesday. It says DeWine wants to work with the groups but can’t continue delaying enforcement because there’s been no action on the issue at the Legislature.

The order came hours after veterans hoping to continue with the games rallied at the Statehouse. At least 670 of the machines are used around Ohio.