Gambling Issue Is Slowing Ohio Lawmakers Budget Attempt

Expanded video gambling is the hot topic in the state of Ohio these days, and lawmakers are not even close to agreeing on their stance. The issue is now threatening to cause lawmakers to miss their July 1st deadline for finishing the budget.

Governor Ted Strickland wants expanded video gambling at state racetracks, but he is being met with opposition from Senate Republicans. Some believe that Strickland should use his authority to override legislators and expand slot gambling.

The governor claims that he needs the legislature to approve any expanded gambling before he will sign it into law. The gambling issue has become heated over the past several months, not only for racetracks, but also casinos. There are several groups trying to bring casinos to the state.

"We have heard the objections, but unfortunately still no solutions," said Strickland in a statement after lawmakers could not come to a compromise on the issue, "I believe that the Senate majority understands the gravity of the situation before them."

Severe budget deficits are facing lawmakers, and gambling expansion was looked at as a way to combat the deficit. Without the gambling expansion, taxes may have to be raised and cuts must be made to the new budget.

"We're all very, very concerned," said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, "With no action thus far and the inability of leadership to come up with a revenue source it doesn't look good."

June 28, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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