Filing shows Penn National against Ohio slots

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state plans to submit evidence indicating that gambling giant Penn National Gaming is underwriting an effort to overturn racetrack slots legalized by lawmakers and Gov. Ted Strickland in July.

The Wyomissing, Pa.-based gaming company is backing a competing proposal that would allow full-scale casinos in Ohio’s four biggest cities.

Penn’s financial involvement is referenced in an affidavit prepared for a lawsuit filed by LetOhioVote.org. The conservative group wants a referendum on the slots plan placed on the November ballot.

The document, obtained by The Associated Press ahead of its filing, details a conversation between state Sen. Bill Seitz and fellow Cincinnati Republican Tom Brinkman of LetOhioVote.org. Seitz says Brinkman was told by the group’s attorney that Penn was paying for the lawsuit and any referendum.