Today, Ohio Christian Alliance commends the efforts of Senator Tim Grendell (18^th Ohio Senate District) and Senator Bill Seitz (8^th Ohio Senate District) for their common-sense legislative approach to bringing meaningful regulation to the newly formed Ohio casino industry.

S.B. 208 and S.B. 206 is legislation that offers common-sense regulations to the gambling industry in Ohio. Requiring criminal background checks for those who work or operate casinos in Ohio only makes sense. Many businesses already require criminal background checks as a prerequisite for employment. Even most churches require this before individuals can work or volunteer. Doesn't it make sense that individuals handling large amounts of money at these establishments should be required to do the same?

With Issue 3 becoming a reality, other realities now have to be addressed. The potential of casino operators contributing large amounts of money to political campaigns and candidates is one of those realities. S.B. 206 accomplishes this by limiting the campaign contributions to $500 per year "made by or accepted from the principals and key employees of an entity that is applying for a license or other authorization, or that is licensed or otherwise authorized, to operate video lottery terminal games or a casino in this state." This goes far beyond other legislation being considered that would only limit the contributions by casino owners, corralling any attempts by the casino owners and operators to contribute through various sources or entities.

We look forward to offering our testimony in support of this legislation.

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