This is an interesting development. The Governor is up for re-election and I am sure is contemplating what this will mean to his campaign
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content...d.html?sid=101
Racetrack slots now closer to a 'go'
Referendum campaign pulled; Strickland plans to proceed, but not without court approval
Monday, June 28, 2010 12:43 PM
Updated: Monday, June 28, 2010 11:25 PM
"After spending more than $1.5 million to give Ohioans the right to vote on electronic slot machines at racetracks, three conservative activists abandoned their campaign today - which appears to give Gov. Ted Strickland the go-ahead to proceed with his plans for 17,500 slot machines.
Strickland, however, appears to be in no hurry to revive his year-old proposal to turn Ohio's seven racetracks into mini-casinos.
Ohio's gambling landscape has shifted considerably since the governor inserted the idea into the state budget to raise $933 million over two years. In November, voters approved privately run casinos in four cities. The casino operators, Penn National Gaming Inc. and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, extended their reach into the horse-racing business.
Last week, state regulators allowed giant casino operator Harrah's to buy a racetrack near Cleveland. Harrah's said it has an agreement with Gilbert to give him a stake in the track."
more at the link
From the link:
The governor's office shouldn't waste any time, said state Rep. Louis W. Blessing Jr. and Sen. Bill Seitz, Cincinnati Republicans who support expanded gambling at racetracks.
"I would hope that the governor would direct the Ohio Lottery to start tomorrow," Blessing said. "The statute is in place. I don't know why they wouldn't."
Strickland still supports adding slots at racetracks, but the constitutionality of expanding the lottery with slots already has been challenged and needs to be settled before the state proceeds, Wurst said.
"There is an outstanding constitutional question, so we are seeking resolution and clarity through the court system," she said.