From wire and staff reports
CLEVELAND (AP) — Before the end of the calendar year, Ohio’s casinos and racinos have already broken revenue records, bringing in $2.11 billion in gambling revenue going into December.
Cleveland.com reported Wednesday that’s according to data released by the Ohio Casino Control and Lottery commissions.
The revenue rose by $120 million from the previous record set in 2019.
In 2020, the state ordered the venues to close entirely between mid-March and June because of the pandemic.
That year gambling revenue totaled in $1.44 billion.
Gambling revenue has risen every year, except in 2020, since casinos opened in Ohio in 2012.
Meanwhile, a plan to legalize sports betting in Ohio is waiting for Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature after winning the approval of a legislative conference committee.
Licenses for sports book contracts would fall under three classes, one for mobile wagering, another for teams, leagues, casinos and racinos and a third governing gambling at bars and restaurants via Keno machines.
Gambling receipts would be taxed at 10%, which is supposed to go to Ohio’s schools.
The measure would take effect no later than Jan. 1, 2023.