Ohio Casino Issues to Return to Ballot

Casino News - January 28th, 2010 - Written By Glen

Though casinos in Ohio have already been approved, one issue that has been plaguing Ohioans was that over the location of the Columbus Casino. In The legislation for the casinos, the locations had been predetermined.

On Wednesday, a 71-26 vote in the Senate had approved to place the casino's location inquiry on the May 4th ballot. This will determine whether or not the proposed constitutional amendment will be passed, provided it is certified by the secretary of state's office prior to February 3rd.

Voters will once again meet in order to decide the fate of the casinos. The ballot will determine whether or not to amend the law and move the location of the casino in Columbus, moving the site from the Arena District to the former property of Delphi Automotive Systems LLC.

Penn National Gaming will retain the rights to the $250 million dollar casino in the Arena district even if the constitutional amendment is shot down.

Local business owners and residents alike had agreed that relocating the casino to the west side would help financially unsound part of Franklin County rebound. Ohio has been under harsh economic circumstances since the beginning of the recession and continues to hurt more than many other states in the Union. The inception of casinos was designed to boost employment and bring much needed revenue back into the state's coffers. And for players who don't enjoy the casino atmosphere, Ohio online casinos are always available.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.