Racino and Casinos to Submit Competing Proposals

A petition seeking voter approval of casinos in four Ohio cities was submitted to the state attorney general for review Wednesday as state regulators explore a separate plan that would allow slots at racetracks without a vote.

The Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee said the casino proposal would lead to $1 billion in private investment, $600 million in tax revenue and 20,000 new jobs. Casinos would be built in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

If Attorney General Richard Cordray approves proposed constitutional amendment language, the group will begin gathering signatures toward placing the issue on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Racing Commission plans to submit details of a competing proposal for state-run slot machines at seven horse racetracks. The group argued that lawmakers can act independently of voters and should seize the opportunity to take control of the endless parade of gambling proposals and look out for the state’s economic interests.

“This petition they submit today will cut out racetracks,” said commission executive director Sam Zonak. “They want casinos in four cities. That’s not going to help us.”

For the complete story, please see Julie Carr Smyth, Group submits proposal for 4 casinos in Ohio, The Herald-Dispatch, March 11, 2009