No slots In Ohio

Voters in Ohio Tuesday defeated Issue 3, the Learn and Earn proposal to amend the state’s constitution to allow slot machines at the seven pari-mutuel tracks and two off-track sites in downtown Cleveland. The issue lost by a 57-43 percent margin, with only five of the state’s 88 counties voting in favor.

This was the third time in 12 years that voters in Ohio had rejected expanding gaming in the state.

Based on pre-election polls, Ohio’s racetrack operators were hopeful voters would vote for Issue 3, which would use proceeds from slots to pay for college educations of Ohio high school graduates. According to some reports, Lebanon Raceway had even secured a parcel of land in order to move from the Warren County Fairgrounds and expand their operation.

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