The Ohio Lottery plans actions next week likely to start the process of settling lingering legal questions over state-run slot machines at horse tracks.
An agenda shows state lottery commissioners will vote Monday to scrap earlier rules for the video-lottery machines, put forth updated rules, and authorize asking a court to decide whether the lottery has the authority to operate the machines.
Proponents, including Gov. Ted Strickland, say the slots-like terminals can operate under existing lottery rules. Opponents say the machines are illegal gambling devices outside the state's constitutional definition of a legal lottery.
After a ballot issue challenging the slots was dropped, Strickland said last week he would move quickly to resolve the legal issues.
A coalition representing Ohio's seven tracks expressed support for the actions Wednesday, saying the economic benefits of slots will protect 17,000 jobs at their facilities.
