Michelle Gillcrist, who has been serving as the Interim Director of the Ohio Lottery Commission since April, has received a nomination from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to officially become the Director of the Ohio Lottery Commission.
A Seasoned Leader with a Diverse Background
Before her interim role as director, Michelle Gillcrist had been associated with Governor DeWine in various capacities throughout his tenures as Governor, Ohio Attorney General, and United States Senator. In her prior roles, she demonstrated her dedication to public service and her commitment to the betterment of Ohio’s communities.
Gillcrist has served as Governor DeWine’s Northern Ohio Regional Liaison, where her responsibilities encompassed fostering effective communication and cooperation between the state government and local entities. Additionally, she served as the Governor’s Aerospace and Defense Liaison, focusing on the northeast sector of the state. Her dynamic and diversified experience has uniquely equipped her for the role of leading the Ohio Lottery Commission.
In her previous professional roles, Gillcrist held government relations positions at prominent organizations such as MetroHealth, the Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, the Cleveland Clinic, Battelle Memorial Institute, and the Greater Cleveland Growth Association. Her background in government relations and community involvement further bolsters her qualifications to lead the Ohio Lottery Commission.
Governor DeWine’s Proposed Changes to Ohio’s Sports Betting Tax Rate
In a notable development, Governor DeWine proposed changes to Ohio’s sports betting tax rate as part of his executive budget. The proposed adjustment would see the tax rate increase from 10 percent to 20 percent. This shift is designed to diversify the allocation of revenues generated from sports betting.
Under the revised structure, a portion of the tax revenue would be directed towards schools, specifically for the enhancement of athletics and extracurricular activities. In addition, it would be allocated to address the issue of problem gambling, offering support and resources to those affected. Another significant portion would be dedicated to covering administrative costs related to overseeing sports betting activities, including the monitoring of advertisements for sports gambling apps.
Ohio Casinos and Racinos Achieve Record-Breaking Revenue in March
Notably, Ohio’s gaming industry set records in March by achieving remarkable revenue figures. The state’s casinos and racinos recorded $217.7 million in gambling revenue during the month. This surpassed the previous record of $216.3 million set in March 2022.
Ohio’s four casinos contributed significantly to this achievement, posting revenues of $95 million in total, which was an increase from the $93.3 million recorded in the same period last year. Jack Cleveland Casino, Hollywood Columbus, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, and Hollywood Toledo were the key contributors.
Racinos, on the other hand, maintained a consistent revenue figure of $122.7 million compared to the previous year. MGM Northfield Park, Scioto Downs, Miami Valley Gaming, JACK Thistledown Racino, Hollywood Mahoning Valley, Hollywood Dayton, and Belterra Park were among the racinos that collectively reached this milestone.
Michelle Gillcrist’s nomination as Director of the Ohio Lottery Commission reflects Governor DeWine’s commitment to leadership that is rooted in experience, dedication, and community engagement. Her diverse background in public service, combined with the proposed changes in Ohio’s sports betting tax structure and the gaming industry’s record-breaking revenues, signify a dynamic and promising future for Ohio’s gaming landscape and the broader community.