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Ohio Voters to Vote on Location Change for Columbus Casino

Ohio state voters made the tough decision back in November 2009 regarding casino facilities in Ohio. State voters passed a plan calling for four casino facilities, one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus.

In a few weeks, Ohio residents will go back to the polls to make an amendment to one of the locations of the casinos. Penn National Gaming has consented to change the location of their casino facility in Columbus, but approval of state voters is necessary before the plan can move forward.

Not a big turnout is expected for the May 2010 vote and that is the reason why lobbyists have increased their efforts to ensure that the result will favor the expectations of local and state officials. There is no sentiment to dismiss the casino relocation plan. Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz said on April 18th, 2010 that this is just technicality because of how the first amendment was worded back in November 2009.

However, there is always the chance that not enough supporters will turn out to vote and the issue will be defeated. Originally, Penn had planned to construct a casino facility in the Arena District in Columbus. However, Business leaders and residents in the area, protested at the idea, stating that the family oriented image of the area will be affected by the presence of a casino.

Michael Coleman, the Mayor of Columbus, met with officials of Penn National and offered alternative locations for the casino. The groups picked the old Delphi Auto Plant. A majority vote is required for the casino location to be changed. State voters will go to the polls on May 4th, 2010.

 

Tuesday, May 04 , 2010
Gerald Kernighan