House Finance Committee hears testimony on HB 344 to legalize VLTs and electronic instant bingo for retailers and hospitality sites

Columbus — The House Finance Committee held the first formal hearing on House Bill 344 (HB 344), where owners of bowling centers, bars and retail suppliers urged the legislature to legalize and regulate video lottery terminals (VLTs) and electronic instant-bingo devices for retailers and hospitality businesses, while at least one charity-gaming supplier opposed the VLT retail expansion.

Proponents told the committee HB 344 would give long-standing, family-owned hospitality businesses a regulated revenue stream and tools to reduce an extensive illegal “gray” gaming market. Marty Tifke, of Timbers Bowling Center, said, “House Bill 344 is not simply about entertainment, it's about economic equity,” arguing the current regulatory framework has left small legal operators at a disadvantage compared with illegal parlors and some fraternal clubs. Multiple witnesses testified that illegal devices are widespread and divert customers and revenue from lawful businesses.

The bill would authorize limited VLTs (witnesses referenced a three-machine-per-location rollout discussed in committee) and expand electronic instant-bingo in bars, bowling centers and…