However, slots would be illegal in Ohio. They are actually "sweepstakes" machines. The machines are web-equipped computers, driven by an access card that already knows whether you are a winner.

"I don't see anything wrong with the machines. As long as they are running according to sweepstakes laws," says Steve Cline, owner of Spinners.

Cline has more than 80 virtual reality machines in his restaurant. They've been up and running for over a year.

"The games are nothing but entertainment," Cline says. "They're just sheer entertainment."

Now other businesses want a piece of the action.

Beulah Park Racetrack in Grove City just installed 30 of the machines.

"In light of casinos coming, in light of the economy, in light of everybody around us getting gaming, it's time for us to look at ways to survive," said Beulah Park General Manager Mike Weiss.

Part of that survival could be prepaid cards that allow customers access to the internet and gaming. It's the payout that could pose a legal question.

"If the racing commission came in tomorrow and said, hey, these are no good, take them out, they'd be gone the same day. Not an issue," Weiss told ONN's Jim Heath.

Cline is worried that too many places, like Beulah Park, will cross the gambling line.

In fact, hundreds of machines could hit the state by the end of the year.

"They are mudding the water," Cline said. "And they're going to try to lump us all together. I don't want to be lumped in with those guys."

So far, government officials seem baffled by the machines.

Governor Ted Strickland said the machines "look like slots," but that's as far as he goes.

The Attorney General's office said it's a local jurisdiction issue. The Franklin County prosecutor's office was unavailable for comment. And, bringing it full circle, the Columbus Police Department said it's up to the Attorney General to make a decision.
Cline said the industry should not be self-policing, and supports regulations.

In a tough economy, a licensing fee could help the state raise some cash.

"Because it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck doesn't mean it's a duck. If it gives them the same satisfaction as gambling, but it's legal, let the state make some money off it," Cline said.

That's one bet that could happen sooner than later.

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