Ohio gambling meeting

Top gambling supporters from across the state walked out of a three-hour meeting Thursday unified in their desire to get an expanded gambling measure on the ballot. Members of the racing community were also at the meeting.



"I'm optimistic because everybody was committed to sticking together and being loyal to one another because we realize the opposition is fierce," Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken said after a first-ever meeting that included state lawmakers, city mayors, developers, Indian tribes, and casino representatives as well as the racing leaders.



the meeting was organized by Rep. Bill Seitz ( R-Green Township).



Indian tribes, particularly the Eastern Shawnee, have pushed to build casino resorts outside major cities, but there are presently no federally-recognized tribes in Ohio.



According to reports, House Minority Leader Chris Redfern ( D-Port Clinton) came to the meeting with a proposal allowing the state to sell seven casino gaming licenses for a minimum $50 million apiece. The casinos could be built anywhere in the state.



Seitz said the group's next move is to develop focus groups and a statewide poll to determine what type of gambling the public will support, and how they want the state to spend the annual profits, which Seitz said could top $500 million.

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