Gaming Group Touts Revenue

A ballot proposal to allow casino gambling in Ohio could mean up to $240 million in additional revenue for the state’s 88 counties, according to a report from the group pushing the gaming proposal.

The measure, which will be put before voters on the November ballot, would allow a casino to be built on a proposed resort complex about 50 miles from Cincinnati. Under the measure, most of the $240 million in expected annual revenue from gaming taxes would be directed to counties based on their population.

Hamilton County would get $15.7 million in additional revenue under the plan, and at least one county commissioner is already planning how to spend the money, according to local reports.

A Minneapolis-based group, Lakes Entertainment, would build and own the proposed complex. The County Commissioners Association of Ohio has not taken a position on the measure, while individual county commissioners are generally split on the question.

Ohio voters have rejected three casino gambling measures since 1990.

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