COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--With the US Supreme Court decision opening up the possibility of sports gambling to individual states, the debate here in Ohio continues on how to handle it.
Last week, an advocacy group announced a move to put a proposal before voters that would allow sports betting in places like bars, restaurants, fraternal organizations, and entertainment facilities. That move is getting some push-back from Ohio's established racetracks and casinos.
Eric Schippers, Vice-President of Public Affairs for Penn National Gaming, tells 610-WTVN's Woody Johnson that it should stay within the confines of the casinos.
"We think it's important that these be located in an area of the casinos where we've already trained our employees to look out for responsible gaming, we can restrict minors' access, we can look for people that may be getting in over their head, "Schippers said.
The man that led the successful ballot measure in 2009 to establish Ohio's four casinos is pushing for another ballot measure, this one would allow sports betting at Ohio's bars, restaurants, fraternal organizations, and entertainment centers. That could be on the ballot as early as November 2019.
Penn national Gaming operates Hollywood casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo, along with racetracks in Dayton and Austintown.
(photo courtesy Getty Images)