After the collapse of Ohio's betting kiosk network in 2025, bar owners lost a revenue stream they'd come to depend on. Now, some are pushing for something bigger: video lottery terminals—essentially slot machines—in bars and restaurants across the state.
Here's what's being proposed, who's fighting it, and what it could mean for gambling in Ohio.
What Are VLTs?
🎰 Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs)
VLTs are electronic gambling machines that look and play like slot machines. Unlike sports betting kiosks that take wagers on games, VLTs are pure games of chance—you insert money, press a button, and either win or lose. They're already legal in Ohio, but only at the state's seven racinos. The debate is about expanding them to bars.
Why This Is Happening Now
2023-2024: The Kiosk Era
Sports betting kiosks spread to 700+ locations—grocery stores, bars, bowling alleys. Bar owners got a cut of the action.
June 2025: Intralot Exits
Intralot (Sports Bet Ohio) pulled out of the market, taking 656 kiosks offline. 93% of Ohio's kiosk network vanished overnight.
2025-2026: Bar Owners Push Back
Having lost kiosk revenue, bar owners lobby for VLTs as a replacement. Bills are introduced to expand VLTs beyond racinos.
The kiosk collapse created a void. Bars that had invested in hosting sports betting terminals now have empty floor space and lost income. VLTs are pitched as a more profitable alternative.
The Legislation: SB 197
Senate Bill 197 is the main vehicle for this debate. While primarily focused on iGaming (online casinos), the bill also addresses VLTs and the broader question of where gambling can legally occur in Ohio.
Online casino legalization (iGaming), potential VLT expansion, iLottery expansion, and revised tax structures for gambling operators. The bill is complex and still evolving.
Who's For and Against
✅ In Favor
- Ohio Bar Association (revenue replacement)
- Small business bar owners
- Some rural legislators (economic development)
- VLT manufacturers and operators
❌ Against
- Casino operators (competition fears)
- Racino owners (protect their exclusivity)
- Problem gambling advocates
- Governor DeWine (historically cautious on expansion)
The Casino Lobby's Position
Ohio's casinos and racinos argue that spreading VLTs to bars would cannibalize their business without generating significant new revenue for the state. They invested billions based on the understanding that gambling would be limited to specific venues. Putting slot machines in every corner bar changes the economics.
The Bar Owners' Position
Bar owners counter that they need revenue diversification to survive. Sports betting kiosks were supposed to be that, but the model failed. VLTs could drive foot traffic and provide a sustainable income stream that doesn't depend on a single operator like Intralot.
What This Means for Bettors
If you're primarily a sports bettor, VLTs in bars wouldn't directly affect you—you'd still bet on sports via mobile apps or the few remaining kiosks. But the broader gambling landscape would change:
- More gambling options nearby: Your local bar might have slot machines
- Potential tax changes: If casinos lose revenue, tax structures might shift
- iGaming connection: VLT expansion is tied to online casino bills, which could bring legal online slots and table games
The VLT debate is part of Ohio's larger conversation about iGaming (online casinos). If SB 197 passes with iGaming provisions, you could legally play slots and table games on your phone without needing bar VLTs at all.
Kiosks vs. VLTs: Key Differences
⚖️ Not the Same Thing
Sports Betting Kiosks: Allow wagers on sporting events. Skill and research can influence outcomes. Regulated as sports betting.
VLTs: Pure games of chance. No skill involved. Essentially slot machines. Regulated as casino gaming.
This distinction matters because the regulations, tax rates, and social concerns are different. VLTs have higher problem gambling associations than sports betting. Opponents argue that putting slot machines in bars—where alcohol is served—creates a particularly risky environment.
What Happens Next
The VLT question will likely be decided through the broader SB 197 debate:
- Committee hearings: Testimony from stakeholders on all sides
- Amendments: VLT provisions could be added, removed, or modified
- Floor votes: If the bill advances
- Governor's signature: DeWine has been skeptical of gambling expansion
If VLTs in bars are approved, implementation would take months to years—regulations would need to be written, licenses issued, and machines deployed.
The Bottom Line
Ohio bars probably won't have slot machines tomorrow. The push for VLTs is real, driven by bar owners who lost income when kiosks disappeared. But casinos are fighting back hard, and the governor has historically been cautious on gambling expansion.
For sports bettors, this doesn't change much—you'll keep betting on your phone. But it's worth watching because the VLT debate is wrapped up with iGaming legislation. If Ohio legalizes online casinos, that would be a much bigger deal for gamblers than whether your local bar has a slot machine.
We'll update this article as the legislation develops.