Developer updates Ohio casino construction plans

COLUMBUS (AP) — The company developing two of Ohio’s four casinos says the Cleveland site is expected to open in early 2012 with the Cincinnati casino set to open its doors in spring 2013.

Rock Ohio Caesars said today that construction has resumed on both projects. The company suspended work after state lawmakers inserted a provision in the state budget bill that applied a commercial activities tax to all casino wagers without deducting winnings and payouts. Rock said the provision would add tens of millions to its costs.

Construction resumed after the Legislature approved terms of a deal struck by Republican Gov. John Kasich, Rock and the developer of casinos planned for Columbus and Toledo.

Under the deal, casinos will pay the tax on wagers after payouts to patrons are subtracted.