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 Ohio now joins the states that allow casinos as of Tuesday, November 3, 2009 when voters passed the new amendment of Issue 3 53 percent to 47 percent. Issue 3 authorizes the construction of 4 casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. In addition it sets a 33 percent tax on the revenue and details how the money will be distributed to the state.
Cleveland Caveliers owner Dan Gilbert has laid down almost $35 million to help Ohioans who were opposing the plan to change their minds. This marks the fifth time in 20 years that the casino plan has been proposed to the state with all previous proposals failing to pass. Gilbert, who is also a main investor in the project, was incredibly happy Tuesday saying, "Let's start lighting it up like Las Vegas."
Citizens facing severe unemployment rates were pulled into the idea as the casinos promise 34,000 new jobs. Voter Yvette Harris, 48 placed her vote at East Toledo's Birmingham Library. She originally had concerns about a casino contributing to gambling addictions but soon found that she was overriding those concerns as the need for a job arose. "People need to be adults and take care of themselves," she said. When asked if she would be seeking employment with the casinos she added, "Yes, I will apply."
The casinos will be taxed on their gross revenue, after payouts and the money will be divided among all counties, all school districts, the eight largest cities, the new gaming regulatory panel, a state racing commission fund, law enforcement training and gambling addiction programs.
Estimates of the four projects job creation include 19,000 temporary construction jobs and 15,000 permanent casino jobs. The plan promises 90 percent of the jobs would be guaranteed to Ohioans.
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