Group Promotes Casino Proposal In Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A petition seeking voter approval of casinos in four Ohio cities has been submitted to the state attorney general for review, and state lawmakers are exploring a separate plan that would allow slots at racetracks without going to the ballot.

The Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee says the casino proposal submitted Wednesday would lead to $1 billion in private investment, $600 million in tax revenue and 20,000 new jobs. Casinos would be built in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

If Attorney General Richard Cordray approves proposed constitutional amendment language, the group will begin gathering signatures toward placing the issue on the November ballot.

The Ohio Racing Commission argues that lawmakers can act independently of voters. The group plans to submit details of a competing proposal for state-run slot machines at seven horse racetracks.

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