#Free and Fair Elections

Gambling interests gave GOP group behind pro-DeWine PACs $1M. DeWines is a key decision-maker regarding the market's future. He controls appointments to two commissions that hold sway over lucrative contracts, complex regulations and licensing agreements. He is the only incumbent Republican governor who was considering sports betting. It's illegal to promise anything in exchange for political donations. The RGA did not respond to repeated AP requests for comment. Some companies that responded to AP said their giving wasn't earmarked for Dewine. Two said they pay annual membership dues to Rga and give to Democratic governors.

Gambling interests donated nearly $1 million to a nonprofit group that helped reelect Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The Republican Governors Association funneled over $2.2 million through its campaign arm to benefit Dewine's successful reelection bid. Most of that money went to two pro-DeWines' committees: Free Ohio PAC and Ohioans for Free and Fair Elections.