Casino issue wins the gamble
Ohio allows casinos in Cleveland and three other cities.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
(Cleveland/Columbus) - Ohio voters hard hit by the economic downturn have opened their state to casino gambling after an expensive campaign promising thousands of jobs.
With 99% of precincts reporting unofficial results, Issue 3 passed 53% to 47%.
It marked a significant victory for Penn National Gaming Inc. and Cleveland Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert, who spent nearly $35 million promoting four big-city casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.
Mayor Frank Jackson & Dan Gilbert at victory party.
An economic impact study commissioned by the campaign predicted nearly 40,000 temporary and permanent jobs and $4 billion in economic impact, though social costs were not considered.
State Rep. Lou Blessing, a republican who fought the plan, said he plans to push a ballot issue next may that amends elements of the plan, collects more taxes from the casinos and puts the licenses up for bid.
(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
With 99% of precincts reporting unofficial results, Issue 3 passed 53% to 47%.
It marked a significant victory for Penn National Gaming Inc. and Cleveland Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert, who spent nearly $35 million promoting four big-city casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.
Mayor Frank Jackson & Dan Gilbert at victory party.
An economic impact study commissioned by the campaign predicted nearly 40,000 temporary and permanent jobs and $4 billion in economic impact, though social costs were not considered.
State Rep. Lou Blessing, a republican who fought the plan, said he plans to push a ballot issue next may that amends elements of the plan, collects more taxes from the casinos and puts the licenses up for bid.
(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
© 2009
