Ohio casino giveaway causes traffic jam

August 28, 2012 at 1:05p.m.

COLUMBUS (AP) — Officials say a $25 giveaway at a race track casino caused a major traffic jam in Columbus.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the casino at the Scioto Downs harness racing track was offering $25 in free play between 8 a.m. and noon today. The crowd going to the “racino” caused a several-mile backup on Interstate 270, Interstate 71 and U.S. Route 23.

The traffic jam was so severe, officials at the Ohio Department of Transportation decided to shut down the interstate ramps in the area of Scioto Downs. The ramps were expected to reopen later this afternoon.

Casino spokesman Michael Newsom said the massive response to the free-play offer was unanticipated. It has now been extended to midnight.