Horse-racing tracks consider fighting Ohio’s new casino bill

June 14, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Horse-racing tracks in Ohio are considering a push for a 2011 ballot issue that would ask voters to repeal the casino bill recently signed by Gov. Ted Strickland.

The bill sets rules for the state’s four planned casinos, which the financially struggling tracks fear will further hurt their business.

Putting the matter on the ballot could stall the opening of the casinos, which were approved by voters last year for Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

The tracks would need 240,000-plus signatures to get the issue before voters. The bill signed by Strickland Thursday does not become law for 90 days, giving the tracks a window to circulate petitions.

“We’re exploring all of our legal and constitutional options,” said David Paragas, a lobbyist for the Equine Agricultural Coalition that represents four of Ohio’s seven horse tracks.

A separate proposal before voters this November seeks to stop a plan that Strickland proffered last year to place lottery-run video slot machines at the racetracks in an effort to plug an $850 million budget hole. The track owners hope to persuade the group behind that referendum to withdraw it by an Aug. 24 deadline so the racetrack slots plan can move forward.

Horse tracks would rather work with casino supporters than against them, said Jack Hanessian, general manager of the River Downs track in Cincinnati.

“I don’t think it’s the wisest thing to do,” he said, referring to the possible 2011 ballot issue, “but it’s a way of delaying what they are doing. It’s leverage to get them to give up their referendum.”

If racetracks try to fight the casino rules, it could lead to delays in the licensing and opening of the casinos, Hanessian said.