Two Ohio Tracks Pay Gambling Fee, Start Casino Process

Recent surveys have indicated that Ohio voters have changed their opinions on casino gambling in the state. Now that it looks like Ohio will legalize casino gambling, and lawmakers have already moved to allow racetracks to have video slots, the process is in full swing.

Two racetracks have given the state the $13 million down payment fee for a gaming license on Tuesday. Seven horse racetracks submitted applications for the licenses, only Northfield Park and Raceway Park paid the down payment.

"While all seven (horse tracks) submitted applications, significant concerns among potential investors over pending lawsuits are preventing several of the tracks from obtaining the necessary financing to commit the initial license payment," said Ohio Lottery Spokeswoman Jeannie Roberts, in a statement.

Harrah's Entertainment on Tuesday won the rights to purchase Thistletown Raceway. The company is expecting to open a video gambling hall at the racetrack. Other tracks are also planning for next year when video slots will become an acceptable form of gambling in the state.

Even though the tracks will be receiving the first crack at casino gambling, they may be the odd man out after November. A proposal is on the ballot that would bring four casinos to Ohio. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo would all gain new casinos if the proposal is approved by voters.

A Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this week found that fifty-eight percent of voters polled were in favor of the casino proposal. That figure is in line with other studies that show Ohio voters changing their stance on gambling.

Voters have had several opportunities to change the state's casino gambling laws, but have turned down the proposals each time. Now, with the economy down and people in need of work, voters have softened their stance.

September 16, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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