Legislation to add a self-service Ohio Lottery kiosk and machine at the Parma, Ohio golf course was approved unanimously on April 21, creating a new revenue stream for the property. Lottery officials will install and service the machine, as well as train city personnel to assist customers.
Ridgewood Municipal Golf Course patrons soon will be able to purchase lottery tickets as well as play Keno and other games in the Parma, Ohio clubhouse, the Cleveland-based Sun News reported.
City Council unanimously approved legislation April 21 giving the green light to a self-serve Ohio Lottery kiosk and machine at the golf course. Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi said lottery officials told him the application process for the kiosk usually takes about 45-60 days, but that could be expedited, the News reported.
The idea for the lottery kiosk surfaced last fall when Vittardi and Mayor Tim DeGeeter were brainstorming about ways to increase revenue at the golf course, the News reported.
“The golf course is a business and we expect it to be self-sufficient,” said City Council President Sean Brennan.
Several council members commended DeGeeter and Vittardi for their resourcefulness in seeking new revenue streams for the golf course, the News reported.
The kiosk will allow patrons to play up to nine online games, including Keno, Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolling Cash 5, EZPlay games, Mega Millions, Classic Lotto and Kicker, Vittardi said. It will require an electric outlet and access to an Internet connection. The kiosk, which will be against a wall, will be approximately 3 feet wide by about 4 feet high, Vittardi said, and will be accessible whenever the clubhouse is open, the News reported.
The city will benefit because there is a commission on gross sales from the machine, as well as a 1 percent cashing bonus on any tickets cashed in at the machine. Winning tickets of up to $599 can be paid out at the clubhouse, the News reported.
“We benefit by the number of tickets sold and cashed in at the machine,” Vittardi said, adding activity at the kiosk will be monitored closely.
“Now people can go to the golf course and play. They won’t have to go to the Horseshoe Casino,” Brennan said.
Lottery officials will install and service the machine, as well as train city personnel to assist customers. Dave Chuba, the new golf course manager, and the bookkeeper most likely will be trained, Vittardi said.
In an effort to attract additional customers to the clubhouse and to encourage golfers to stop by after they’re finished playing the course, Vittardi said an expanded menu and new food and drink specials are planned, the News reported.
The 18-hole city-owned and operated course was built in 1924 and opened the following year, the News reported.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.