Casino Opposition In Ohio Scares Voters With Charity Gambling Talk

When the gambling issue is raised in any given town across the US, there is one group that always comes out in opposition of expanded gambling-the churches. Churches have long had a moral standing of being against gambling.

That is why it is ironic that if a proposed four casino plan in Ohio is approved by voters in November, it is the churches that stand to lose the most in gaming revenue. Yes, that sounded as weird as it was to write.

Currently, churches often offer casino-style gambling at their charity events. It is an easy way to raise much neded funds to keep the church operating. There is a law in place that actually claims that charity gambling is the only acceptable form of casino gambling in Ohio.

If the new proposal passes, however, it comes with a clause that would limit casino gambling to only the four casinos, one each in Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. The churches would be on the oustide looking in, which is where they usually are when it comes to the casino gambling issue.

"If the amendment passes, we believe that it would create a risk that a court might find that those charitable games of chance that are currently legal might be determined to be illegal," said Ted Hart, Spokesman for Attorney General Richard Cortrey.

The chances of the law actually being enforced is another matter. It is unlikely that any of the casinos would ask the authorities to shut down any charity casino nights being held at churches around the state. many believe, the churches may actually benefit from the generosity of the casino developers.

"The casinos are going to be receiving the majority of the gaming action, and there is little to no chance that they would bother going after the church charity events," said observer Harvey Trudle, "but, it could be used as a political tool should the churches continue to oppose the casinos' existence."

Of course, opposition to the gambling plan looking for support have jumped on this minor wording dispute in the proposed casino plan. They claim all charity casino nights could be in severe danger, and they are taking their fight to the public.

"The only people who think this isn't an issue are the sponsors of the ballot measure," said Spokeswoman for Truth Pac, which opposes the Ohio Jobs and Growth Plan.

Understanding that Ohio voters are now leaning in favor of casinos in the state, the opposition to the casino plan has latched on to the charity casino issue, and made it the center of their opposition.

"This is just another way for people who oppose the casino plan to try and sway voters who do not understand the big picture," said Barry Gweln, "the reality is that this casino plan will bring thousands of much needed jobs and millions of revenue dollars to the state, and in the end, the charity casino nights at the local churches are going to be just fine."

August 22, 2009
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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