In first three months of 2016 Ohio casinos generate a hefty $71.2 million

The first three months of 2016 recorded the highest single quarter for Ohio’s four casinos since they opened in 2012; generating $71.2 million for schools, cities and counties.

An increase of approximately $4 million in total was recorded, almost 6 percent more than 2015’s fourth quarter. That’s an increase of $2.4 million over the same period a year ago (pdf).

Earmarked to receive funds under state law, cities, counties and school districts will receive a small boost from the increase in casino revenue, according to The Columbus Dispatch. An example of that is the city of Columbus, which will receive $2.9 million for the first quarter, approximately $200,000 more than the same period last year. A general distribution of $1.96 million, along with $932,899 for being a host city is included.

As gamblers make their way to casinos in Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland, schools and the government are receiving more money. March was a record month, with casinos reporting $73.7 million in revenue.

Out of $270 million distributed in fiscal year 2015, $137.7 million of that went to the county-city fund, schools received $91.8 million, $13.5 million went to host cities, the Ohio Casino Control Commission received $8.1 million, the same amount went to the Ohio State Racing Commission, the Problem Gambling & Addictions Fund received $5.4 million, and $5.4 million went to the law enforcement fund.

In other news in the Buckeye State, last month the Ohio Supreme Court gave the green light to a Columbiana County man to challenge a state law allowing casino gambling. The lawsuit claims the restrictive nature of who is permitted to operate the facilities is in violation of his federal constitutional rights.