Gambling Not Such a Good Bet for Ohio

As of now, people wanting to play electronic gaming machines in the Marietta area have to go to Williamstown, or elsewhere in West Virginia, to do it. We say, keep it that way. Yet another push is under way to legalize a more Vegas-style of gambling in Ohio.

We?ve never been in support of gambling in the state ? casino, riverboat or otherwise ? and our position hasn?t changed. Increasing the amount of legal gaming will cost us more in the long run, and we aren?t just talking dollars and cents. The latest proposal calls for electronic slot machines installed at seven Ohio racetracks and two locations in Cleveland and Cincinnati.

The argument for the slot machines is that it will attract people and revenue to the state, revenue Ohio now loses to neighboring states where the machines are already allowed. But we think it?s unlikely the slots will offer the economic boost suggested, and, instead, will only add to the state?s financial and social concerns.

Gaming is a slippery slope. It doesn?t replace the need for financial support from elsewhere ? for schools, scholarships and such. And it may lead some people to believe that with this new funding source in place, they no longer have to support local levies and other funding requests. That just isn?t the case.

May 24, 2006
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!