Council puts skill-based gaming back on pause

FINDLAY — Findlay Council rushed through legislation during regular session Tuesday that will place another 12-month moratorium on skill-based gaming parlors. Skill-based gaming is like gambling, but the games require a component of skill to win prizes like vouchers or game cards. Ohio prohibits cash prizes. In April 2024, council voted to extend an already 18-month moratorium by another year, just days before its expiration. The legislation for another 12-month moratorium was introduced on Tuesday by Zoning Administrator Erik Adkins. Council voted 9-0 to suspend its three-reading rule, with Councilman Dan DeArment, R-4, absent. The vote was then 9-0 to enact the legislation. The ordinance was passed as an emergency measure, which means it takes effect immediately once signed by the mayor. Emergency language bypasses a 30-day waiting period meant to allow for public review of the new rule and possible referendum. In a letter to council dated Jan. 16, Adkins said the proposed ordinance would temporarily block the establishment, expansion, relocation, or certain changes in ownership or control of the gaming parlors. He said the legislation is not intended to regulate gambling or determine the legality of any machine, but instead to address unresolved land‑use and zoning issues related to the businesses. "The city previously had a moratorium in place addressing similar uses; however, that moratorium expired and was not extended, and the city's zoning code has not yet been amended to address these businesses," Adkins wrote. The parlors require permits to operate in the city and are currently zoned for commercial areas, as either C1 for light traffic or C2. Hancock County Regional Planning has recommended zoning of I1, or light industrial, to move them well away from residential areas. The recommendation would also limit the gaming parlors to only four within city limits. Established parlors would be grandfathered and allowed to remain in operation. Adkins said the additional pause would give city staff, the Planning Commission and council more time to review appropriate zoning classifications and regulatory standards, while maintaining the status quo during that process. The moratorium applies only to Type C skill‑based amusement machines, which are sometimes found in convenience stores and similar establishments. The ordinance excludes traditional amusement and arcade uses, including Type A and Type B skill‑based machines, Adkins said. Type A machines are classic, non-prize-dispensing arcade/pinball games that do not provide rewards, while Type B machines are skill-based crane or claw games that offer merchandise prizes directly from the machine.