How would you vote on a casino law?

[Droopy]

The state of Ohio has an issue on the ballot that would allow the building of a casino in the Dayton/Cincinnati area.

Those who oppose the law say that legislation would be written that would allow the casino operator to take all of the revenue out of the state and pay very little if any taxes. The Ohio Democratic party says to vote down the issue as well. And, personally, I used to gamble and I've seen how it can hurt some people. 99% of the people who walk into a casino walk out with less money than what they came in with.

Those who want to pass the issue say that a new casino would create 1000 new jobs for this area of Ohio which has been hit very hard with job losses over the past 5 years or so. They also say that there is already casino gambling close to Ohioans just across the border from Cincinnati in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Let's put a casino in Ohio where Ohioans can benefit from it.

I was initially against the creation of a casino in Ohio, but the job losses argument is now hitting home with me. What do you think?

[Droopy]

1. kick

I don't know what happened, but DU put my poll half way down the front page right after I created it. I also see that DU hasn't processed the time change yet.

[flvegan]

2. I've always voted for the casino.

Yeah, gambling can be a disease, but so can booze, caffeine, etc.

And here in Florida, I've seen folks spend $100 on playing the Lotto. Regulate it and tax it.

But then, I'm a shit. I'd legalize gambling, prostitution and pot. I'd tax the shit out of it, and make it profitable and remove much of the criminal element.

Sucks to be a liberal.

[Droopy]

3. That's the problem, though

Opponents of the issue say that the state would see very little if any tax revenue from the casino.

[flvegan]

5. How is Arizona doing?

[Droopy]

6. I'm guessing it's hot

What's your point?

[flvegan]

7. My point is in regards to your initial question.

How is Arizona doing fiscally? Compare, contrast.

Enjoy.

Sorry you didn't get it on the first round.

[Droopy]

9. 2 different states, 2 different laws, 2 different sets of circumstances

Arizona only has indian reservation casinos. The state's gaming site says they contribute 1% to 8% of their revenure to the state.

In Ohio the plan is to ammend the constitition to allow this one privately owned casino. If an indian tribe were to set up a casino in Ohio they would not have to pay tax on their revenue. The way the law is written if that happens then the "constitution" casino could possibly have legal footing to not pay taxes on their gaming revenue.

[flvegan]

10. Okay Droopy, that sounds pretty f'd up

I concede.

Gotta tax it.

[Oeditpus Rex]

4. When it came up here, I was completely for it

A tribal gaming concern wanted to build one a couple of miles out of town, and the nannies were dead-set against it — sometimes bizarrely so. One LTE ended, "Please don't let a casino come here and destroy us!"

Their opposition was on moral grounds, as it typically is. They cloaked it in arguments about increased crime, prostitution, "devastated lives," etc., ignoring that the developer brought the promise of more than 1,000 jobs, most at greater than minimum wage, which were (and still are) desperately needed in this town, not to mention the taxes that would benefit the city and county. (The county is 56th of 58 in return on sales tax revenue from the state.)

It was forced to a referendum and was voted down. The developer went to another town, which is flourishing.

[enigmatic]

8. I vote Yes

Cleveland needs a Lakefront/Flats Casino too; it's a natural...

[TZ]

11. I've been to the Casinos in Indiana...

I'd say taking a look at how that is benefitting IN is the best way to go.
BTB Maryland has a slots referendum on the ballot..which I fully intend to vote for (one because I like horse racing and our industry is losing to PA,WV, and DE which all have slots). It also looks like it will specifically state that the profits go to school funding in the state.