In the past five years, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has intercepted more than 6,300 jackpots and recovered more than $10 million in unpaid child support from jackpot winners at the state’s casinos and racinos and Ohio Lottery prize winner.
ODJFS Director Kimberly Hall said, “This is a good example of government and industry working together toward a common goal. If noncustodial parents are behind on their child support, their winnings from gambling should fulfill their responsibility to their children first. It is paramount we deliver these funds to the children who deserve it.”
ODJFS officials said state law grants child support agencies the right to intercept jackpot and prize winnings from noncustodial parents who owe past-due support. ODJFS developed an automated interface that checks jackpot and prize winners against a database of noncustodial parents who owe child support. If a winner owes child support, the casino/racino or Lottery Commission withholds all or part of the winnings.
