COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There's no question gambling is a hot-button issue in the state of Ohio.
Though recent proposals to expand gambling have failed, the push to make it a reality continues.
Some people in the horse-racing and breeding industry are saying forget about creating jobs -- if gambling isn't expanded, jobs actually will be lost.
With signs held high and letters on hand to give to lawmakers, hundreds of people in the horse-racing and breeding industry gathered in front of the Statehouse Tuesday.
They were there to show their support of a proposal by the Ohio State Racing Commission that would permit slot machines at the seven race tracks in Ohio, including Scioto Downs on the city's South Side.
"I'm here to try to save our livelihood," Dot Morgan said. Morgan's husband races horses.
What do slot machines have to do with saving jobs?
People such as Brad Wallace, a horse breeder from Findlay, said slot machines have everything to do with saving jobs.
"Back in the early 2002, 2003 we were breeding 5,600 mares, and now all of the sudden, it's gotten down to 30 or 40, and it's primarily because our customers have went to neighboring states," he said.
Money generated from the slot machines would go to both the state and the horse-racing industry such as increasing purse amounts for competitions in the state.
"Because we don't have slots, our purses are so low now. My husband has had to race outside the state for the last 10 years," Morgan said.
"We employ more people directly, not indirectly, directly than Procter and Gamble and Toyota combined in the state. Now if Procter and Gamble was in trouble, tell me what the governor would do," horse-race starter Mike Wobkenburg said.
NBC 4 is looking for answers.
NBC 4 contacted Strickland's office and were told that although Governor Strickland understands it's his job is to listen to all ideas, he remains unconvinced expanding gambling is right thing to
do in terms of Ohio's economic approach.
Meanwhile, proposal supporters hope he changes his mind.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
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