Ohio Racetracks Pushing For Slots And Repeal Of Gambling Law

When Ohio residents approved four new casinos last fall, the horse racing tracks in the state knew they were in trouble. Now that Governor Ted Strickland has signed a law regarding that casino gambling, the horse tracks may push to repeal the law.

The tracks in Ohio are considering starting a campaign that would collect signatures to overturn the new gambling law. The tracks feel that the law further hurts what is already a struggling industry in Ohio.

In order to have any initiative regarding casino gambling placed on the ballot, the tracks would need to collect 240,000 signatures. If they succeed in getting the initiative on the ballot, it would delay the four casinos from opening.

Last November, voters approved a plan that will place casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. In Columbus, business leaders did not approve of the proposed location of the new casino, and successfully changed the location in the last election.

The tracks may not want to push the thoughts of overturning the casino law too hard. They could be in line for slots at their tracks under a plan offered by Governor Strickland. If the tracks come out against expanded gambling, it could ruin their chances of having the slot initiative approved.

Ohio is one of many states where residents have changed their minds regarding the gambling issue. Ohio voters had several times turned away casino proposals, but the economy and the promise of new job creation swayed voters in November.

Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, California, and Florida are just some of the many states where gaming laws have changed in recent years. In Delaware, lawmakers have approved sports betting, and Pennsylvania legislators legalized table games earlier this year.

June 12, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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