DaytonDailyNews.com

By Lynn

October 26, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Those of you who oppose the amendmendment to the Ohio Constitution just don’t get it. Unlike other states Ohio has a no gambling law thus it must be ratified by the voters. What they need to do is investigate Andy Bowers, and see who this guy is getting his money from !

By Lynn

October 26, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Those of you who oppose the amendmendment to the Ohio Constitution just don’t get it. Unlike other states Ohio has a no gambling law thus it must be ratified by the voters. What they need to do is investigate Andy Bowers, and see who this guy is getting his money from !

By Debbie

October 21, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I’m googling this issue to see what locals think about it before I vote. I am from NE Ohio. I read some interesting comments, but I also read some misinformation. Minimum wage jobs aren’t thew greatest, but it sure beats no jobs which is what we have up here. I don’t see any companies offering to come here to Ohio and pay $15 or $20 an hour, actually all I see is companies leaving. Anything which brings jobs and tourists to an area will bring money not only in wages at the casino, but nearby.

By Government is the Problem

October 16, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

The State NOT being involved is exactly why we should vote YES. Please name just ONE instance when government does something better than the private sector. Not having my tax money at risk in building and operating the facility is the way it should be. If they make a profit, they pay taxes, if it ultimately fails, I haven’t lost anything. It’s a no risk, win/win situation for the taxpayers of Ohio. AND it will STILL generate payroll taxes for the jobs created to build and operate it.

By BigPicture

October 15, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

I just read the proposed amendment text, and I’M ALL IN FAVOR OF CASINOS IN OHIO. But here’s why I’m voting no: Of all the good reasons to bring in a big business (construction jobs, normal business taxes, and jobs for plant employees), only the last one is guaranteed for Ohio workers and residents. In addition, this amendment COMPLETELY ties the state’s hands. Let’s bring in casinos, but treat it like any other big business coming in. Don’t take my word for it - find out for yourself.

By jim

October 12, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this

just look at lawrenceburg indiana the town is booming i will vote yes and for those saying it brings crime just go to the argosy where do you see crime. VOTE YES

By Balphus

October 7, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Hey jkj, we aren’t paying to build it. What do you mean it is wasting money. We have been trying for out of state companies to come in and bring jobs here. We aren’t paying for this the owners are. They operate successful casinos now. They obviously know what they are doing. Construction jobs, electricians etc… and the people that work there will make decent money with a chance to move up. Sounds better then working at a temp service.

By Ohio41

October 6, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Build it and they will come. If people want to gamble they are already driving to places in order to do so. The post that asked, do SW Ohioans really think people will drive there to gamble?, the answer is yes. They drive right by there to go to Indiana and other Southern gambling locations. Keep the money in Ohio. I don’t gamble so it won’t matter to me. The increased revenue needs to have strict overisight. Politicians will be stuffing their pockets if there isn’t.

By Michael

October 6, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Casinos solve no problems. They only create new problems. If the state wants more short-term revenue, then raise taxes. If the state wants more long-term revenue, then lower taxes. It’s that simple.

By The Lewis Family

October 6, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

We are definatley in favor of the Ohio Casino. It will bring so many jobs for people who actually want to work. I have an idea..why cant the Government set it up as to where you have to have a valid drivers lisence to gamble. Swipe the license when you get to the casino. Everyone has a players card and they are allowed to add funds to it but only a limited amount each month. When the playing money is gone, they are crap out of luck until the next month. Theres ways of limited impulsive gamblers

By jkj

October 6, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

On the news every evening are sad stories of ppl losing their jobs and homes and having no money, etc. So, if things are so bad here in Ohio…who is going to be gambling? Isn’t the economy supposed to be in the tank? Why waste precious $$$ on a casino? Why take up precious farmland in Ohio? Once again our politicians have their priorities wrong.

By RC

October 6, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

1. The proposed amendment does create an oversight committee. The casino can’t just up and say, “We’re not paying taxes.” The committee would have to approve it.

2. “Casinos bring in drugs, prostitution and crime.” So does a growing city, maybe we should outlaw cities trying to grow. I got news for you, that stuff already exists.

3. Average pay is expected to be around $32,000 a year.

So far, the only legimate argument I’ve seen is that it’s a constitutional amendment.

By bigrobj

October 6, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

OHIO….WAKE UP….WAKE UP…VOTE NO….YOU HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN…AND EVERYTHING TO LOSE….YOU DON’T GET IT??????????…………..

By RC

October 6, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

The monopoly argument is a joke. Opponents were also arguing that it would make it easier for Indian-owned casinos to open up shop.

So which is it? If you read the actual proposal, it leaves the door open for other future casinos. There’s no real monopoly, anyway, people still have a choice to drive to Indiana, or fly to Vegas.

By G. Brunner

October 6, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Does anyone in SW OH think that people in NE, NW, and Eastern OH will drive extra miles,as many as two hundred, just to gamble in an OH casino instead of PA or MI or WVA? Not likely.

By G. Brunner

October 6, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

I will vote NO! Regardless of being for/con on this, a constitutional amendment is wrong. Ask how much these ‘up to 5000 jobs’ will pay? In Michigan, most are minimum wage or slightly above. And since few people live near the casino, how much will people pay in gas to drive there? People in Dayton and Cincinnati could drive 30 miles each way, at say 25 mpg, or about 2-1/2 gallons of gas to get there. This could mean about 1 hour of wages just to buy gas! Ignoring the wear and tear on the car

By manbearpig

October 6, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I am in favor of casinos….plural, not just one only. I voted against the last initiative also because it was limited to race tracks only. Let people put casinos in all the major cities in ohio or one in each county, i don’t care, but I will not support provisions for only one. And this is why we vote for representatives, to decide this, not to avoid the vote and put these things on ballot initative where the mob rules. State congress ducking it’s duty…again!

By gr

October 6, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Has anyone asked these two wealthy persons…since they’ve got so much money to spend on ads, why don’t they just donate it to the state…if they are so interested in helping our economy. Of course we know the real truth..its what’s in it for them. And since they live out of state, where will their tax dollars go. Ask people in KY what happened when coal companies are owned by out of state people, better yet, drive down and see, its not pretty people.

By G

October 6, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Lets get this straight..a constitutional amendment to guarantee a couple of people the right to make money for which there is no guarantee will actually support the economy….in fact could hurt…sure it brings jobs..and gambling woes for which our tax dollars will need to pay…like increase welfare for those who gamble and can’t afford it…and increased crime…People I’ve seen this in South Dakota…gambling didn’t do anything positive for it..and now they are stuck with it.

By Karen

October 6, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

If they want casinos in Ohio then legalize gambling period. I do not believe we should make an exception for 1 company, indian tribe or anyone else.

By KAF

October 6, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Why would I vote to amend the Ohio State Constitution to give a monopoly to a couple of multimillionaires who are not even from Ohio?

By Barry

October 6, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I am not a gambler (other then driving to work every day), but I intend to vote for this. More money staying in the state is a good thing. Even if there is some kind of “tax scam” going on there will still be thousands of new jobs, and those people will be paying taxes. Gambling is an industry, just not one like manufacturing, and the truth is some people will always have money to throw away, I would rather have some of it stay here in some way shape or form then to go out of state all together.

By Jeff

October 6, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I am for casinos, but against this amendment. Don’t amend the constitution for one casino. Change the law to allow casinos in any city. I want a casino in the Arcade. Toledo would surely like one to keep people from going to Detroit. How about Cincinnati to compete with Indiana? Maybe a casino along the Ohio-W.Virginia border. I bet a casino in downtown Cleveland would work. One casino in the middle of farmland is a poor plan.

By J

October 6, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I live in Wilmington and I read the Wilmington News Journal everyday. The last time I checked, it is consistently riddled with stories of meth lab busts, sex offenses against children and theft. A casino in Wilmington is not going to corrupt and tarnish this picture of small town purity that everyone has in their head, because it is already corrupt and tarnished!

By Jim

October 6, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

“Ultimately, there may be “no” money to the state or county because I understand that the casino would be owned by an indian tribe that may be extempt from paying taxes.”

This is just wrong. Since an Indian tribe casino is ot a taxable entity, it would have no affect on the Wilmington casino. They would continue to pay 30%.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS186993+29-Aug-2008+PRN20080829

By No other choice

October 6, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

While I’d rather not change our constitution to bring in this casino and hopefully others, i see no other choice. It is clear in today’s climate that Ohioans want casinos in our state but the inaction of our elected leaders to embrace that leaves no other options. If the elected leaders believe that issue 6 is bad then give us legislation that provides casinos along with oversight of the industry. Until they do so i will be voting yes for issue 6

By Freedomlover

October 6, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

As a Clinton County resident I’m firmly opposed to a casino. I left Montgomery County years ago to get away from the filth. Gambling with all of it’s vices are not welcome here.

Also, we are in the midst of an economic downturn. We need to be pinching pennies, not throwing them down the toliet.

By Sam

October 6, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

I have no problem with gambling, but everyone should read this ballot closely. Ultimately, there may be “no” money to the state or county because I understand that the casino would be owned by an indian tribe that may be extempt from paying taxes. The only plus is that it would create jobs. Don’t believe everything that you hear. Read the ballot and do your homework, then vote.

By Jim

October 6, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Remove all the factories and bring in the casinos!

Won’t be long before Ohio becomes the nations poorest state.

Wake up.

By Oldtimer

October 6, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I’m all for legalizing casino gambling in Ohio, but I am opposed to this issue for the following reasons: 1) It creates a monopoly for one casino in one location. 2) Issues like this don’t belong in the constitution which is a blueprint for how the state government should operate; they belong in the Ohio revised code. 3) When both Democrats and Republicans, law enforcement agencies, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters oppose it, that should be an indication its a bad move

By dude guy

October 6, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Anything that keeps the poor spending money they don’t have is fine with me. It keeps them in their place.

By Joe Flacco

October 6, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Sure just another thing to blow money on. The lottery promised money for schools. A lot of help that did when the requests for levies increased. You bunch of sheep. They are leading your poor helpless behinds to slaughter.

By YES

October 6, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Ohio Lottery is gambling and a huge proponent against this.Something stinks.Either way it benfits Ohio and Wilmington area.There about to lose 7,000 jobs VOTE YES~

By Nobama

October 6, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

If people are so hard up WHY do we need a casino? Just because it brings in jobs? So what! I know people who complain about money but are ready to hop on a bus and go “chance” away what they already have. Stupid! Oh but maybe the government will come up with another “FIX IT” program to help the people who like to gamble but really can’t afford it.

By Happy

October 6, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

I am excited for this to pass because it will mean more jobs in an area that is grealty needing it with the way the economy is dying. I will for sure apply for a position there once it is done. This is a dream come true! I’ve been working for an insurance agency for three years and absolutely hate it! I am eager for my friends to no longer have to drive to Kentucky to have fun at the tables. VOTE YES!

By HalM

October 6, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Modifying the state constitution? Then I’m voting no.

By YABrian

October 6, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

I need to read the bill for this to get some details, however, I am for casinos. If it modifies the state constitution, only allows one company, and has no oversight, then I’m voting no.

By Fact

October 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

The law would allow a the Stat of Ohio to tax the Casino up to 30%. Where the Opponents of the casino are focusing is that it could be anywhere from 0 to 30%. It is a scare tactic as we all know that no State would choose 0%. Just look at the communities around the Indiana Casino’s. They are clean with no rise in crime. Addicted gamblers can still go to Argosy. Building a Casino here would not create more addicts just like opening another restaurant or bar does not create more alcholics.

By VOTED YES

October 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I already voted and voted YES on this issue. Come on people, we already have the lottery and all sorts of gambling already. Why in the world should we send our money to other states? Have you seen the buses that travel to Argosy and Rising Sun??? Keep that money HERE. They are going to gamble, keep the money in Ohio. No I’m not a gambler, can’t justify pissing my money away but more power to the people that do, keep it in OHIO!!!

By JC

October 6, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

People in Ohio travel to gamble. No big deal. It is NOT the gambling/casino issue at heart, it is the manner in which the pro- casino people want the law. A consitutional amendment IS NOT the answer. Proper legislation is. Any intelligent person who thinks THIS issue is good for Ohio needs to read the amendment proposal. Thsi IS NOT a good proposal for Ohio and its people. It does provide for ONE entity to open a casino, it provides for additional casino’s in the future with no oversight.

By Constitutionalist

October 6, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

The Casino Issue will only allow ONE entertainment company to build casinos in Ohio. This will allow them to become a monopoly and the quality of the casinos will be less than they could be.

In Indiana the casinos are owned by different companies.

By Constitutionalist

October 6, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

The Casino Issue will only allow ONE entertainment company to build casinos in Ohio. This will allow them to become a monopoly and the quality of the casinos will be less than they could be.

In Indiana the casinos are owned by different companies.

By Paula

October 6, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Haha! Not all cities with Casino’s are like Las Vegas! I’m from a city in New York with a Casino & it didn’t bring drugs, prostitution, violent crimes. It brought jobs & tourists! Las Vegas is a large city, all large cities have drugs, prostitution, violent crimes!

By Buckeye Bob

October 6, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

It is hard for this writer to ever endorse another place for the addicted to blow their money. Being married to an addicted gambler is a daily reminder of the havoc it wreaks on a marriage. For those that gamble for fun, have at it. For those addicted, it is a constant struggle to overcome the disease, a struggle they always lose!

By TFOL61

October 6, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I urge you to vote NO on this proposal for tow reasons. You don’t want to amend the constitution for one business. The other is the provision in the language that allows the casino owners to REDUCE, even ELIMINATE the amount payable to the state. It is possible that the casino could earn hundreds of thousands of dollars and pay NO tax to the state! It is in the proposal. Don’t take my word, go on-line and read it.

By enough

October 6, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Are one of the tv commericals lying or are both, at least one of those ads are lying.

By BKH

October 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Hey ALL IN. The government is running our lives now, What will change? We should vote for gambling in Ohio, but the location SUCKS. Why not put it closer to mid-Ohio?

By Blah

October 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I support it but I live in an urban area. The people out in the farmlands will out vote the rest of us. They always do with social-type issues.

By Pick

October 6, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

“By William

October 6, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

People who think casinos are a good thing for a community are living in fantasy land. They bring all sorts of crime along with them, including prostitution, drugs, and violent crime. All one has to do is look beneath the veneer of Las Vegas to understand what I am talking about. And yes, I lived in Vegas for 4 years, so I know the truth.”

Wow, somebody has seen the movie Casino one too many times.

By Ohio Gambler

October 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Concerned Tax Payer.. I guess I really don’t understand your argument. I don’t care what document the law gets placed in - as long as it passes. That sounds like a petty reason to vote No for the issue if you ask me. You probably will never go to the casino in Ohio - so why do you even care about the issue.

It’s kind of like the smoking ban when it passed in Ohio. I guarantee that 95% of the people that voted for the ban don’t even frequent pubs and bars.. It’s just stupid.

By Pick

October 6, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

“By RealityCheck

October 6, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

5,000 new jobs? Sweet, should I be a minimum wage house keeper, a minimum wage food server, or a minimum wage cashier?”

The average salary for these 5,000 jobs is $39,000/yr. Not going to get rich off of that, but beats a lot of jobs. Not to mention the construction crews while it is being built.

By Lori Luckner

October 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

I know for a fact that Rising Sun, Indiana (Grand Vic) receives $2 per person that goes on the boat. The town has a new fire department, fire trucks, library, etc. from the money the receive from the casino. In talking to the residents of Rising Sun, they said the only crime that has increased has been the drunk driving and that is still primarily the locals doing that. They have seen very little if any increase in crime since the casino has been.

By Karon

October 6, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

William O - Ohio’s been a state since 1803!
I’ll vote yes for gambling! Perhaps, that will help get mass transit passed some day!

By Concerned Taxpayer

October 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

How about this —YES to gambling, but vote NO on this issue. Is this something that should really be in the constitution? My view is not — and for the casino backers to try again next year with changes to the ohio revised code instead of putting this in the ohio constitution. Scroll all the way to the bottom (first post) to see more of my argument about why putting this in the ohio constitution isn’t a good idea.

By KellBell

October 6, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

RealityCheck: I guess you can just stay on welfare if you are not interested in working like most citizens do…A paycheck is better than No paycheck…Or maybe you should just stay in school and get an education.

By KellBell

October 6, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

This is for William: William, I just returned home Friday from Las Vegas and have gone there every year for the past 5 years, I have not once seen nor heard of any crime that happens at the casinos. I’m sure if that does go on they are not going to advertise it anyway, you need to get a grip and get out of the 1930’s..At any rate I think that Wilmington is a dirty, run down little town that could use some sprucing up..WAKE UP and smell the new century!!!!

By RealityCheck

October 6, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

5,000 new jobs? Sweet, should I be a minimum wage house keeper, a minimum wage food server, or a minimum wage cashier?

By KellBell

October 6, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

I strongly vote YES for gambling in Ohio..I am one that goes to Argosy often and would love to give my money to Ohio rather than Indiana, but we do what we WANT to do if we choose to gamble, if not stay at home and not judge. Crime, HAHAHA, do you read the paper or watch the news, if that’s the case then we need to shut down the city of Dayton. Prostitution, you can go down on Xenia Ave, Keowee St, 5th St, ECT, ECT, to see all the drugs and prostitutes you want see. VOTE YES!!!!!!!!

By William O.

October 6, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

People have been gambling in OHIO since there was an OHIO (1853) and maybe before that. Pass this measure to keep the money in Ohio, and help out the schools and others who need help. Obama will Nationalize the USA anyhow, so might as well gamble on this!!

By Dave

October 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

William

Step out of your time machine and enter the 21st century. Its uneducated fools like yourself who give issues like this a bad name. Perhaps you would like to inform the rest of us who the primary visitors to places like the argosy, belterra and grand victoria are? Thats right, the senior crowd. And perhaps you would like to pony up some proof about all that violence over at those casinos. You are living in a vegas of yesteryear…

By Ohio Gambler

October 6, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

As a frequent gambler - I will let anyone who does not understand the gambler understand this. Gambling is going to occur - no matter where the location is. It is already legal to gamble at horse tracks, the lottery, the internet, and a short drive to Indiana when you live in Ohio. If you don’t gamble at casino’s in Indiana now - you probably will not gamble in a Ohio casino. If you do gamble - why not keep it in Ohio. Who cares where the money goes - hopefully it will come home with you..

By William

October 6, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

People who think casinos are a good thing for a community are living in fantasy land. They bring all sorts of crime along with them, including prostitution, drugs, and violent crime. All one has to do is look beneath the veneer of Las Vegas to understand what I am talking about. And yes, I lived in Vegas for 4 years, so I know the truth.

By All In

October 6, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

People who think casinos are bad thing are the ones stay inside their homes all day anyway. Those of us who want to have a good time, do it legally and not have to drive over an hour are really excited about this! Everyone is worried about crime and Dayton had 3 homicides this weekend. Let’s get the facts straight and better outlook on what’s important. The Ohio constitution doesn’t matter anymore anyhow once Obama is elected! The U.S. Government will be running your lives then!

By Brenda L

October 6, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

As a occaissional visitor to Indiana to the casinos, I am whole heartedly in favor of Casinos in Ohio. Its pretty much a no brainer, the jobs it will create (have you watched the news lately) as well as the funds that would be available to our schools as well. Ohioians are giving this to Indiania, why not keep it in our own state. And remember its YOUR choice whether you go to these casino’s. Its not a mandatory thing. Vote YES!!!

By All In

October 6, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

People who think casinos are bad thing stay inside their homes all day anyway. Those of us who want to have a good time, do it legally and not have to drive over an hour are really excited about this! Everyone is worried about crime and Dayton had 3 homicides this weekend. Let’s get the facts straight and better outlook on what’s important.

By Ballgame

October 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

It just makes no sense to me why this would be a bad idea. Less money going out of state. More tax money for the state. New jobs to replace some of the lost jobs. It is no coincidence that the indiana casino owners are fighting it.

By Concerned Taxpayer

October 6, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

For the most part, I am neutral on the issue of gambling — But I will tell you why I am voting NO. The Ohio Constitution is a top level document that spells out how gov’t in Ohio works, what types of local gov’t entities can exist and how they operate, when and how elections are held, and many other ‘top level’ things. Placing a constitutional amendment on the books that allows for one casino in one particular city run by one particular company is just plain irresponsible!! Once it’s in the constitution changing and tweaking it will be all but impossible – but I think that was the point by the casino backers… I urge people to vote NO on the constitutional amendment and tell the casino backers to try again next year with the proposal written up to have the laws placed in the ohio revised code instead!