Ohio’s casinos have been closed for almost two weeks, and it's been a week since bars were shut down, including those offering Keno. Ohio Lottery tickets are still being sold, even under the new stay-at-home which went into effect on Tuesday. 

The stay-at-home order, intended to fight the spread of coronavirus, says only essential services are supposed to be operating. That order doesn’t say anything about lottery tickets, which continue to be sold at retailers.

“The Lottery Commission’s operation is considered an essential government function providing funding of public education and our ongoing philanthropic efforts across the state," the agency says in a statement.

The lottery adds those sales are limited to grocers, convenience stores and businesses deemed essential.

Some cashiers say selling and redeeming tickets requires employees to hand them to customers with less than the six-foot-distance businesses are required to follow in the order.

https://radio.wosu.org/post/coronavirus-ohio-lottery-says-it-qualifies-essential-service#stream/0

=========================================================

‘Essential’ Ohio Lottery sales will continue, lottery commission announces

Ohio Lottery sales will continue at businesses permitted to remain open during the coronavirus crisis.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Ohio Lottery Commission made clear with a Monday afternoon statement that the sale of scratch-off tickets and entries into other lottery games will continue during Gov. Mike DeWine’s stay-at-home order.

“The Lottery Commission’s operation is considered an essential government function providing funding of public education and our ongoing philanthropic efforts across the state,” the statement said. “Lottery sales are currently limited only to the businesses that have been deemed ‘essential’ by Director (Dr. Amy) Acton’s Stay at Home order."

Businesses remaining open include food sellers and gas stations.

Winners of $600 or more, however, will have to submit their claims through the mail. The regional lottery offices were closed last week.

Winners of less than $600 can cash their prizes at Ohio Lottery retailers, the commission noted.

All seven racionos regulated by the commission closed by March 14 to comply with the governor’s order restricting large gatherings of more than 100 people. Ohio’s four casinos closed at the same time. Together, they have 19,000 slot machines and 400 gambling tables.

https://www.cleveland.com/coronavirus/2020/03/essential-ohio-lottery-sales-will-continue-lottery-commission-announces.html