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Ohio slots threatens Pittsburgh casino

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Pittsburgh Review-Tribune: "One company seeking a slots license for Pittsburgh could win the right to open a casino in Cleveland, if Ohio voters approve a gambling referendum Tuesday.

"Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises would be allowed to open a slots parlor with up to 3,500 machines at its Tower City property, on the east bank of the Cuyahoga River, under the proposed amendment to Ohio's state constitution.

"The measure, called Issue 3, would allow nine casinos in Ohio -- seven at tracks and two stand-alone parlors in Cleveland. It has been pitched as helping Ohio keep some of the nearly $1 billion that its residents gamble out of state each year.

"…Legalized casino gambling in Ohio would eat into the profits for a Pittsburgh casino, no matter who receives the license, said Ron Porter, co-chairman of the volunteer Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force.

"'We're reaching the point of super-saturation with gambling opportunities,' said Dianne Berlin, coordinator of Casino Free Pennsylvania, a statewide coalition of anti-gambling groups.

"…The nine companies seeking to open casinos in Ohio reportedly are spending $25 million on the legalization campaign. The operators would keep 55 percent of the take from slots…"

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