ISSUE 3: What's Next For Columbus' Casino?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio voters said yes to casinos Tuesday. So what's next for the issue -- and its opponents?

With 99 percent of precincts reporting unofficial results, Issue 3 passed 53 percent to 47 percent, paving the way for the construction of casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

Penn. National, the company that is behind the casinos, said it will spend $600 million between Columbus and Toledo to build two casinos.

The 300,000 square-foot Columbus casino is set for the Arena District on Nationwide Blvd. just west of Huntington Park.

The groundbreaking is scheduled for 2010, with the Hollywood Casino opening in 2012, NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported.

It will look like the Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Indiana on the inside.

Nearby businesses are as against the measure the day after the vote as they were the day before the vote.

"I voted against it and, you know, I have mixed feelings about it because I'm not sure what the real effect is going to be," said Tom Selvagio, of Frog, Bear and Wild Boar.

Most skepticism about the casino is felt in the Arena District.

"We're going to be working in partnership with area businesses," said Eric Schippers, of Penn National.

"Franklin County overwhelmingly voted against Issue 3 and I think we like the Arena District in Columbus. It's the coolest part of the city in my opinion, and there's a not of concern that a casino would really hurt the whole feel in the arena district," said Sandy Theis, of TruthPAC.

"We think this project is going to be a boom to the Arena District, despite claims by some that it will wipe out business," said Bob Tenenbaum, spokesman for the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee.

Issue 3 opponents are discussing a new plan of attack in the wake of Issue 3's passage.

Talks have begun on a plan that could see a 60 percent super-majority of state legislators from both the House and Senate agreeing to put another state constitutional amendment on the ballot as early as May.

The amendment changes could affect a variety of areas pertinent to Issue 3, including the tax rate and licensing fees that casinos pay, expanded background checks, a bidding process to allow more casinos than just the four approved Tuesday night. The changes could ensure that cash wagering is taxed and that church gaming fundraisers remain legal.

Gov. Ted Strickland, who was against the issue released a statement, saying, "While I am personally disappointed, I understand why Ohioans, who are struggling under the weight of this global recession, were willing to give this proposal a chance.

"The voters have spoken and state leaders and legislators must now implement the constitutional amendment while making sure it benefits the people of this state and puts more Ohioans to work."

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.