Ohio Voters Approve Casino Gambling

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Topics: Economy, Politics
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After four previous failed attempts to legalize casino gambling in Ohio, backers of state issue 3 finally won voters over with their proposal to a casino in each of four Ohio cities.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, a principle backer of Issue 3, was flanked by supporters and other casino investors in celebrating a thumbs up from voters to build casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati.  Issue three won by about six percentage points, a comfortable margin.  During the campaign Gilbert made promises of jobs and revenue for Ohio, and last night said he believed voters took him at his word.

Opponents of Issue three had argued gambling would not create the jobs Gilbert promised, would spur prostitution and other criminal activity, and lead more Ohioans down a path of destructive gambling. 

Gilbert said his and other investors’ next step is to draw up plans and secure financing.  The ballot measure calls for the creation of a state gaming board within six months, and barring any unforeseen delays the hope is to break ground on the facilities by the second half of 2010.