CASINO GAMBLING Proponents say Ohio is missing out on millions

At a meeting, they said it would help the cities and keep money in the state.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Casino gambling in Ohio is needed to help boost cities' economies and end the flow of millions of dollars to other states, proponents of expanded gambling said as an unprecedented meeting on the future of such proposals got under way Thursday.
"Ohio's had more of its share of problems in the last few years, and part of it is not recognizing trends that are going on around the nation," said Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken, a Democrat. "Whether we like it or not, gambling is a reality."
One of the leading boosters of permitting electronic slot machines at horse racetracks noted that Argosy Gaming Co. is proposing a $150 million expansion of its Lawrenceburg, Ind., riverboat casino.
"We are not talking about chump change here," said Rep. Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican. "People do not make $150 million business investments without having some hope of a return, and I know for a fact that the return they're earning is from the backs of Ohioans."
Fifty invited
Seitz invited at least 50 people invited to the three-hour meeting.
Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell, who backs allowing voters choose whether to put a casino in their communities, says it's foolish to think a casino could solve all the city's economic woes.
"We should let people decide the future of their own community," said Campbell, a Democrat. "What we're looking for is the opportunity to let Clevelanders themselves make a decision about what's the best thing for Cleveland."
No final proposals were expected from the meeting. That didn't stop Rep. Chris Redfern, the top-ranking House Democrat, from proposing that seven casino licenses be auctioned for $50 million apiece.
The state would collect 35 percent of the casino's profits for all-day kindergarten and college scholarships, said Redfern, of Port Clinton.