by Chelsia Marcius
Reporter
In an attempt to raise profits and bring gambling into the digital age, 210 businesses in Portage, Cuyahoga and Summit counties are among 1,001 statewide agents that will offer the Keno online lottery game beginning Aug. 3, after approval from the Ohio Lottery Commission in February.
According to representatives of Gov. Ted Strickland's office, businesses with Cladd D liquor licenses are eligible to provide the game, which is expected to generate more than $70 million per year. Profits from the lotto will go toward public schooling and balancing the state's budget.
Edmond Gazdazko of Sto-Kent Family Entertainment, on 3870 Fishcreek Road in Stow, said his business will offer Keno to support Ohio education.
"We try to keep up with all the games that the state offers," he said. "Although the commission is minimal, I like the idea of the lottery because it supports the schools. The majority of our bowlers play during the winter season and [with Keno] every four minutes it's also a chance for them to win and be entertained."
Several businesses, including the American Legion Post 309 in Maple Heights, will adopt Keno to satisfy customers in the midst of what they consider a struggling national economy.
"We're putting it in because it's what people want," said service officer Joe Caputo. "It's just another shot to keep us afloat with the way things are going."
Other area establishments have additional concerns regarding income that they hope Keno will alleviate.
Jim Palmer, owner of Kent Lanes at 1524 S. Water St. in Kent, said his bowling alley offered lottery games in the past and that he had always intended to bring them back.
"I don't know if it's going to drive business, but being that we're so diverse [in what we offer customers]," he said, "I just thought it would be another option or enhancement to someone's night out."
Despite incentives to earn a few extra dollars or support the Ohio Lottery's education funding, area establishments also share a common interest to beat the competition.
"With the lotto issuing so many licenses in the state," said Angelo Rullo, general manager of Ravs Creekside on 9224 Darrow Road in Twinsburg, who will offer Keno to customers next month, "we might as well be first on board."
Other businesses which will offer Keno are:
Mr. Gees Bar and Grill, 593 Broadway Ave., Bedford; Kings and Queens Lounge, 20840 Southgate Park Blvd., Maple Heights; Auto Mile Inn, 76 Broadway Ave., Bedford; and Wings Sports Bar and Grille, 14516 Broadway Ave., Maple Heights.
How to play the game: Players pay $1 through $5, $10 or $20 and chose between one and 10 numbers on a card.
A video monitor displays 80 numbers, of which 20 are drawn at random every four minutes from 11:0 a.m. to 1:44 a.m. Payouts, from $2 to $2 million, depend on the amount bet and the numbers chosen. For more information, visit www.ohiolottery.com.
E-mail: cmarcius@recordpub.com
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