2008 Woodie Awards
Ohio gambling
Officials, students differ on casino proposal
Melinda Gray REPORTER
Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: News
Ohio has traditionally upheld strict anti-casino gambling laws, but on Nov. 4 that could change.
City planners in Youngstown dismiss any potential benefits a casino and resort along Interstate 71 near Columbus would have for Mahoning County.
If Mahoning County were to receive any money, it should probably be applied to strengthen infrastructure countywide, said Hunter Morrison, director of campus planning and community partnerships.
Morrison does not support a casino in Ohio. "Gambling is basically a money laundering organization," he said.
When asked about the money this area were to receive, Morrison said, "Most of their promises are trumped up. I don't believe that anyone in the gambling community tells the truth."
Bill D'Avignon, director of planning for the city of Youngstown, does not support the issue either. He does not think it will be the economic stimulus it has been made out to be. "I don't think it will generate that much money," he said.
In excerpts from MyOhioNow.com, a Web site supporting the casino project in Clinton County, reasoning is given in support of building a casino and resort along Interstate 71 near Columbus. Supporters propose that since Ohio residents are already participating in gambling in large numbers, this casino would keep Ohio dollars in Ohio.
The language in Issue 6 implies that the casino would bring in an estimated $800 million in gross gaming revenue. This revenue will be taxed 30 percent producing $240 million in state tax revenue.
Two and a half million dollars will go to programs for treatment of those with gambling problems and the same amount will go toward the administrative cost to regulate the casino. Clinton County will receive 10 percent or $24 million to be used for infrastructure, fire and police. The remaining 88 percent or $210 million will be split upon a per capita basis between the 88 counties in Ohio.
Trumbull County is estimated to receive $4 million annually and Mahoning County will receive almost $5 million. This money would be given to each county to do with as they please.
City planners in Youngstown dismiss any potential benefits a casino and resort along Interstate 71 near Columbus would have for Mahoning County.
If Mahoning County were to receive any money, it should probably be applied to strengthen infrastructure countywide, said Hunter Morrison, director of campus planning and community partnerships.
Morrison does not support a casino in Ohio. "Gambling is basically a money laundering organization," he said.
When asked about the money this area were to receive, Morrison said, "Most of their promises are trumped up. I don't believe that anyone in the gambling community tells the truth."
Bill D'Avignon, director of planning for the city of Youngstown, does not support the issue either. He does not think it will be the economic stimulus it has been made out to be. "I don't think it will generate that much money," he said.
In excerpts from MyOhioNow.com, a Web site supporting the casino project in Clinton County, reasoning is given in support of building a casino and resort along Interstate 71 near Columbus. Supporters propose that since Ohio residents are already participating in gambling in large numbers, this casino would keep Ohio dollars in Ohio.
The language in Issue 6 implies that the casino would bring in an estimated $800 million in gross gaming revenue. This revenue will be taxed 30 percent producing $240 million in state tax revenue.
Two and a half million dollars will go to programs for treatment of those with gambling problems and the same amount will go toward the administrative cost to regulate the casino. Clinton County will receive 10 percent or $24 million to be used for infrastructure, fire and police. The remaining 88 percent or $210 million will be split upon a per capita basis between the 88 counties in Ohio.
Trumbull County is estimated to receive $4 million annually and Mahoning County will receive almost $5 million. This money would be given to each county to do with as they please.
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Payday Loan Advocate
posted 10/28/08 @ 1:14 AM EST
While he?s made no bones about his opposition to the payday loan and cash advance industries, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has a new friend that he?s fighting on behalf of: the state?s community of gamblers. (Continued…)
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