COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A west side casino could be a reality by 2012 if state lawmakers and voters approve a site change, but casino opponents say they will not stay silent in the event of a campaign.
Casino developer Penn National says the proposed $250 million casino investment would bring 3,500 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent full-time jobs. The first phase of the casino would feature 3,000 slot machines and 85 table games. The company has not made a decision on whether it would build a hotel at the former Delphi plant site on the west side.
At a Columbus Metropolitan Club event Wednesday, local restaurant owner and Casino-Free Columbus founder Chuck Hootman questions why Penn National applied for liquor license enabling the company to serve
alcohol 24 hours each day.
"How do you feel that getting a liquor license that I can't get makes you a valued partner in my community by giving you an unfair advantage," Hootman asked. Penn National Senior Vice President Eric Schippers
responded that the company wants its Hollywood Casino Columbus to compete against out-of-state casinos that have 24-hour liquor licenses.
Hootman contends that a 24-hour liquor license would give the casino an unfair advantage in the late night hours.
"It hurts every bar, restaurant that are doing good things, that are investing in our community - independent businesses in our community to give back to our community," Hootman said.
Penn National President and COO Tim Wilmott said the 24-hour liquor license is on the casino's wish list, but is not a must.
"If we have to compromise on that and listen to hours of operation for liquor sales to comply with local laws we'll listen to that," Wilmott said.
Hootman was one of several questioners from the community who voiced opposition to the west side casino. Former congressional candidate Don Elijah Eckhart said the Arena District location's smaller size would be
preferable to the expansive development on Georgesville Road.
"For those of us who voted against Issue 3, we would like to see a smaller casino," Eckhart said. "it would be less people enticed into gambling and losing their homes."
Wilmott said the larger west side location would not mean more gambling, but could mean the possibility of a hotel and other amenities.
"We're going to be more self-contained out there so that we're going to have to provide additional experiences that the Arena District already could provide customers with their experience down there," Wilmott said.
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