Ohio Lotteries

In May 1973, voters approved a constitutional amendment to establish an Ohio Lottery Commission for purposes of administering Ohio's new lottery. The first tickets were offered to the public the following year. In 2004, the Ohio Lottery also became responsible for licensing and monitoring charitable bingo in the state.

Lottery revenue is used to fund public education in the state.

In February 2008, faced with a prospective budget shortfall that could have reached $2 billion by June 2009, Gov. Strickland announced the Lottery would oversee the operation of state-run video keno machines. He hoped that with the gaming expansion, the state would be able to raise $73 million per year.

In March 2008, the keno proposal was limited to machines in taverns, restaurants and clubs.

In April 2008, a 10-member panel of lawmakers cleared Strickland's plan without objections. Keno was introduced to Ohio on 4 August 2008, and 20,000 wagers were placed on the first day of operation.