Opponents intensify anti-casino push in Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — A pair of campaigns fighting a ballot issue legalizing casinos are intensifying their efforts as polls approaching Election Day give the gambling measure better than usual chances of passage.

Issue opponent TruthPAC continues to hammer on the fact that supporter Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has a gambling arrest from his college days. The group plans an event later today with the Michigan state trooper who led the investigation.

A separate coalition of anti-gambling advocates is bringing together business and church leaders with Republican U.S. Sen. George Voinovich and the brother of former Democratic Gov. Richard Celeste.

The issue would authorize casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo and send start-up fees and a 33 percent tax to state and local programs.