Ohio gambling proponents offer another gambling plan

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As reported by the Cincinatti Enquirer: "For the third time in four years, gambling proponents – led by Argosy-owner Penn National Gaming – will roll the dice on legalizing casinos in Ohio.

"But this year, they have a new weapon: Ohio's unprecedented $7 billion budget deficit.

"Gov. Ted Strickland and state legislative leaders say they are keeping an open mind on expanded gambling because of the state's budget crisis and high jobless rates – a softening of what had been staunch opposition.

"'The governor continues to believe that expanded gambling would be bad for Ohio,' Strickland spokesman Keith Dailey said. However, Dailey added, 'It would be unwise, and perhaps even inappropriate to not consider contrary arguments.'

"The Penn National proposal comes just two months after the Pennsylvania-based gambling company – which operates Argosy Casino in Lawrenceburg and Raceway Park in Toledo – spent $38 million to defeat a ballot issue by two Cleveland-area developers to build a casino in Clinton County. Ohio voters rejected that casino plan, the fourth gambling issue defeated here since 1990.

"Proponents say casinos could boost gambling at Ohio's seven horse tracks in Ohio, while raising $700 million annually and creating more than 16,000 jobs. So far, Keno gambling machines added to the horse tracks have not met initially rosy projections, however..."