With Casinos Approved, Gambling Battle In Ohio Turns To Racinos

Voters in the state of Ohio have spoken, and they have overwhelmingly agreed that casino gambling will be accepted in the state. The voice of the voters, however, is not enough for anti-gambling groups in the state.

Now that casinos have been approved, the anti-gambling group, LetOhioVote.org, has turned their attention to keeping slot machines out of state racetracks. The group has started to collect signatures that would ensure that voters have a say in the issue next November.

Lawmakers have already approved slot machines for state racetracks, but the Ohio Supreme Court has stopped the advancement of the slots. The Court ruled that voters must have an opportunity to decide the issue.

If the anti-gambling group does not receive the appropriate amount of signatures, then the state would be permitted to proceed with the slot plan. LetOhioVote.org spokesman Carlo LoParo believes the group will have no problem collecting the 241,465 signatures necessary for a ballot initiative.

Now that the casinos have been legalized for Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, there is even a greater need for the slots in racetracks to become a reality. The tracks have been struggling financially, and Governor Ted Strickland had hoped the slot machine revenue could help rejuvenate the racing industry in Ohio.

Other states have been attempting similar strategies. In Kentucky, Governor Steve Beshear is pushing for slot gambling at racetracks. Strickland has authorized up to 2,500 slot machines at the seven state racetracks.

November 15, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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