Former Buckeye Star Campaigns Against Casinos

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Former Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter says a November ballot proposal to build casinos is bad for the state.

Schlichter, who played for the Buckeyes between 1978 and 1981 and whose career in the NFL was derailed by a gambling addiction, said Tuesday he wants Ohioans to consider how the state will handle an increase in crime and addictions if the casinos are built.

If approved, the ballot issue would allow casinos to be built in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

Schlichter, who spent 10 years in prison for gambling-related crimes, said it’s probably inevitable that Ohio will someday have gambling. But he believes the current proposal would enrich a few at the expense of the state.

Backers of the ballot issue say the casinos will bring jobs in a state where the economy is struggling.

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