COLUMBUS — Opponents of a proposal to allow casinos in Ohio’s four largest cities are casting doubt about the issue that will go in front of voters this fall, including questioning how much tax revenue the gambling will bring the state.
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But casino supporters say the opponents are out to confuse voters with unsubstantiated attacks and half-truths.

If approved this November, the proposed constitutional amendment would allow construction of casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo.

Backers promise the creation of 34,000 new jobs in Ohio’s struggling cities and $651 million in casino tax revenue.

The most recent disagreement between the two sides on Issue 3 centers on how much tax money the casinos will generate. Under the proposal, the state would take a 33 percent off the top of the revenues and redistribute the money to Ohio’s 88 counties.

Opponents argue the 33 percent tax on gross casino revenue is defined as the amount of money “exchanged for the purchase of chips, tokens, tickets, electronic cards or similar objects” minus total winnings. They say that leaves a hole by not including cash or coins that are fed into slot machines and video poker machines.

Rep. Lou Blessing, R-Cincinnati, an opponent of the casino plan, said at a Tuesday news conference that casino supporters have made it allowable to gamble with cash but do not stipulate that cash revenue be taxed.

“These casinos could run total cash games and the state of Ohio would receive no tax benefit. Period,” he said.

Issue 3 spokesman Bob Tenenbaum said the proposed casinos would not use cash except to exchange for vouchers, and would be subject to taxes.

“Cash wagering is an anachronism,” Tenenbaum said. “Nobody uses it.”

JASPER — Seven casino-style bingo halls are running out of luck in Walker County.
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A judge in Birmingham ordered one to shut down immediately and six others were given until Friday to close their doors.

The halls are filled with electronic devices that resemble slot machines.

Operators said they are running legal electronic bingo games for charity, but Walker County law officers dispute that.

The sheriff and district attorney filed suit trying to shut down the machines, and Circuit Judge Robert S. Vance Jr. ruled that some aren’t complying with state and local laws.

Southfield (WWJ) — Those who like to go to the track in Michigan could soon have more to bet on than just the ponies.

Speaking live on WWJ Thursday morning, Governor Granholm says talks are underway to allow racetracks to add a pull tabs lottery system, slot machines or other gambling to their offerings.

The idea is being discussed as a way to raise revenue and offset a projected 1.8 billion dollar budget deficit.

“It’s not on paper yet, it’s a concept and it’s being floated, I support it, but there’s alot of work that has to be done,” Granholm said Thursday.

Listen to the interview.

Wednesday Governor Granholm told WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick it would be a “wise move” if it allowed for revenue to keeping college affordable, No Worker Left Behind and scholarships

The racing industry has been looking to expand gambling at tracks as a way to stay in business.

The governor says any plan to increase gambling would have to be approved by Michigan voters.