Issue 3, opposed by Ohio horsemen, passes

Issue 3, the constitutional amendment for casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo, passed easily on Tuesday night with 53 percent of the vote, thanks in large part to voters in Northeast and Southwest Ohio.

Tuesday's election transformed Ohio from an anti-gambling state to one that will welcome four major casinos. The Buckeye State now joins its neighbors in Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia and Pennsylvania with gambling meccas featuring table games, slot machines and live entertainment.
 
Ohio horsemen had opposed the bill saying that casinos in Ohio would actually take jobs from the racing and breeding industry. Passage of Issue 3 means that casino owners are obligated to pay three percent of revenues to the racing industry.

But opponents in the racing industry said that three percent of 33 percent spread among the state's seven tracks will amount to about $14 million divided between seven purse accounts and will not be enough to help the ailing industry.

Still, Issue 3 opponents are not ready to give up completely.

"We'll probably have to put another constitutional amendment on in May to correct some things to make it more fair for the people of Ohio," said state Rep. Louis Blessing, a Cincinnati Republican, who has an amendment already authored.

Blessing said his amendment would raise the tax rate on casino revenues, make clear that cash wagering will be taxed, bid out the casino licenses and mandate background checks on potential casino owners. (with files from the Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Ohioans defeated four gambling proposals over the past two decades. And Cleveland developer Jeff Jacobs, who funded TruthPAC, the primary anti-Issue 3 effort, had hoped to make this the fifth to go down. Jacobs has interests in a horse-racing track near Columbus and casinos in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. (with files from the Cleveland Plain Dealer)

« Back