COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It's been six months for Keno in Ohio and the results are mixed.
Gov. Ted Strickland hoped the new lottery game would pump millions of dollars into a sagging economy.
While it appears Keno has helped overall lottery sales, some believe it hasn't been the success that Strickland hoped for.
Have you played Keno? If not, why? We want to know what you think about the start of Keno in Ohio. Tell us by posting a comment below.
NBC 4 talked to the owner of Gabby's Bar in Columbus, who said that when Keno first started people flocked to bars to play.
Now, the economy has zapped overall business, along with Keno business.
He said it business might be down approximately 30 percent from August -- but that if there was no Keno, his business would suffer even more.
A representative from Strickland's office said that because of an overall downturn in the nation and state economy, lottery games including Keno have not brought in as much as during a normal economy.
The representative added that the governor's budget for the next two years includes projections for all lottery games and that includes Keno.
When asked what would happen if lottery games don't bring in the revenue projected, the representative said that the governor has shown and will continue to make the tough decisions to be fiscally responsible for Ohio to have a balanced budget.
Overall lottery sales are up 1 1/2 percent. Lottery officials said the smoking ban, a down economy and lower establishment participation is hurting the overall numbers.
Lottery officials are rolling out new TV and radio advertising campaigns.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
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