Ohio Issue Three
To Amend the State Constitution to allow for one casino each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo; and distribute to all Ohio Counties a tax on the casinos.
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| Arguments by those Advocating FOR Issue 3 | Arguments by those OPPOSED to Issue 3 | |
| Casino Effects | $1 billion per year leaves Ohio as citizens patronize out-of-state casinos. Source: Official Argument and Explanation For Issue 3 |
Casinos cost communities $3 in lost economic development, increased crime and social problems for every $1 they generate in benefits. Source: United States International Gambling Report |
| Job Creation | Amendment will create 34,000 jobs. Source: The Ohio Jobs & Growth Committee |
19,000 of those jobs will be temporary construction jobs. Source: University of Cincinnati Economics Center for Education & Research Casino jobs will go to experienced out-of-state workers and not Ohioans. Source: TruthPAC Other jobs will be eliminated s local bars, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment establishments close due to competition. Source: TruthPAC |
| Private Investment | Mandates $1 billion in private investment to build facilities. Source: The Ohio Jobs & Growth Committee |
Amendment does not guarantee sites will be built because there are no deadlines or building requirements. Source: TruthPAC |
| Revenue to the State | Casinos will generate $651 million in annual revenue. Source: The Ohio Jobs & Growth Committee |
Projections are inflated because they require Ohioans to increase gambling by 20%. Source: Dr. John H. Glassey, Independent Gaming Consultant |
| Taxes | Required to pay 33% tax on gross revenue in addition to taxes other businesses usually pay. Source: Text of Proposed Amendment |
Capped at 33%, while other States collect as much as 57% of casino gross revenue. Source: John C. Mahaney, President of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants |
| Impact on Cities | Will spark revitalization in Ohio's four largest cities. Source: Official Argument and Explanation For Issue 3 |
Casinos increase crime rates and bankruptcies. Source: John Kindt, Professor of Business and Legal Policy at the University of Illinois |
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Charitable Gambling |
The amendment defines “casino gambling” as any type of slot machine or table game wagering, using money, casino credit, or any representative of value…. Notwithstanding the aforementioned definition, “casino gaming” does not include bingo…
The language specifically exempts bingo and horse racing from the term "casino gambling."
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Casino-style games like roulette and blackjack are often used at "game night" fundraisers which would be included in the definition of “casino gambling.”
"If the amendment passes, we believe that it would create a risk that a court might find that those charitable games of chance that are currently legal might be determined to be illegal," said Ted Hart, spokesperson for Attorney General Richard Cordray.
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Background of Major Backers |
Penn National Gaming, Inc. and subsidiaries engage in the ownership and operation of gaming and pari-mutuel properties in the United States. As of December 31, 2008, the company operated 25,735 gaming machines and 374 table games, as well as 19 facilities in 15 jurisdictions, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. It was formerly known as PNRC Corp. and changed its name to Penn National Gaming, Inc. in 1994. The company was founded in 1982 and is based in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
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MTR Gaming Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the racing, gaming, and entertainment businesses. It involves in slot machine gaming operations and live thoroughbred horse racing with parimutuel wagering, as well as offers online and telephone wagering on horse races. The company owns and operates The Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, West Virginia; Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania; and Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio. It also owns a 50% interest in North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC, which operates Running Aces Harness Park in Anoka County, Minnesota. The company was formerly known as Secamur Corporation and changed its name to MTR Gaming Group, Inc. in 1996. MTR Gaming Group, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in Chester, West Virginia.
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