Friday, November 10, 2006

Skilled gaming" often is gambling in sheep's clothing, Ohio Attorney General
Jim Petro has ruled. That means it is illegal in Ohio, providing someone
doesn't take the issue to court and gain a decision in favor of "skilled
gaming." "Skilled gaming" involves machines that look and operate much like
video gambling machines. But operators of the devices claim that, because
players can have some influence over the outcome of games, "skilled gaming"
devices are not really gambling. Wrong, Petro ruled in a decision involving
a "Tic Tac Fruit" machine. Because payouts from the machines are controlled
by operators, they are gambling devices. Petro's decision was seized upon by
state officials who announced a crackdown on "Tic Tac Fruit" machines in
bars. But what about elsewhere, in establishments that do not serve
alcoholic beverages? If "skilled gaming" is illegal, authorities at both the
local and state levels in Ohio need to take action against any establishment
offering the machines.