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Ohio casino push put on hold

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As reported by The Columbus Dispatch: "A proposal to allow casinos in Columbus and three other Ohio cities isn't yet approved for the Nov. 3 ballot, but it is playing a significant role in the state budget stalemate that has extended into its second week.

"Senate Republicans are citing the issue as a major flaw in Gov. Ted Strickland's plan to add electronic slot machines at Ohio's seven horse-racing tracks to generate $933 million toward balancing the budget.

"Although Strickland disagrees, they say the casino issue creates too much uncertainty about how much revenue the state would get from slots -- including whether the racetracks would go forward with slots if the casino issue passes.

"The president and chairman of the company that operates Scioto Downs racetrack in Columbus said yesterday that a final decision about adding slots likely wouldn't be made until after the casino issue is decided.

"The casino plan also could affect Senate Republicans' proposal to place a slots issue on the fall ballot because it could undermine the state plan if both measures pass..."

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