What's the Issue?
Since 1988, the gambling industry has been trying to open up shop in Ohio. The General
Assembly has turned down repeated legislation to legalize casinos. Ohio voters turned down
ballot initiates in 1990 and 1996; both times by overwhelming margins (62 percent to 38
percent).
What is the Current Debate?
The gambling industry doesn't take no for an answer. They continue to look for any
possible means to gain a greater foothold in Ohio.
Recently Governor Taft proposed an expansion of the Ohio
lottery that re-ignited the gambling debate in Ohio. The Governor's proposal was passed as
a part of HB405 in late 2001. On January 15th 2002 the Ohio Roundtable and a coalition of
plaintiffs sued the state to stop the Powerball lottery expansion contained in HB405.
In the Spring of 2001 the Ohio Senate debated converting
Ohio's racetracks into casinos by installing VLT's (video lottery terminals). That
proposal was soundly defeated in Committee, however a very active campaign is ongoing to
expand gambling via video slots at the track.
Gambling is a failed economic model for funding state
government. Legalized gambling drains valuable consumer dollars from the economy. It
contributes to increased gambling addictions and increased social costs.
What Can I Do to Make a Difference?
Make sure you know where your elected officials stand on casino gambling. For more
information on contacting your elected officials, click here. |
