June 10, 200520 yr Are you joking? Once they legalize gambling in some form, every major gambling concern in the country will be working on a plan to break into the Ohio market. Gambling is extremely profitable. The Indian tribes are moving now, before the others because they are not subject to the same laws that an MGM Grand is, which has to wait for the state to legalize gambling in some form before they can make a move. I think an Indian tribe can buy any plot of land, have it declared a "reservation" and build a casino there.
June 12, 200520 yr ^I would assume that there would be some sort of license process that would limit the amount of casinos. But I agree that there will be no shortage of developers who want to get into the act. Casinos are very profitable. However, Indian tribes just can't buy a plot and land and declare it a reservation. They have to prove that they have historical roots in the land. Therefore, the Hopi can't just come in and build a casino in, say, Mansfield.
June 12, 200520 yr some tribal ohio casino business news: 'Reservation shopping' alarms some MIKE SAKAL, Morning Journal Writer 06/12/2005 By proposing a $100 million casino-resort plan on Lorain's lakefront and other casino projects in Ohio, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe is trying to do something that no other tribe has been able to do -- establish gambling outside of the state where it has a reservation. The Eastern Shawnee, though, are not the only tribe seeking to start casinos far from their reservations. The practice even has a name -- reservation shopping. There are 33 federally recognized Indian tribes seeking to establish casinos outside of their reservation states, according to Nedra Darling, spokeswoman for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under the U.S. Department of the Interior. And she believes other tribes are submitting applications for casino plans. While the movement is growing, there are some in Congress who are working to prevent the spread of off-reservations casinos. More at http://www.morningjournal.com
June 13, 200520 yr Ohio is too stupid to know whats good for us. The gaming money would help out this state so much, schools and other programs would get the help they need. Many other states have gaming and it is not turning all of them into terrible states, many are growing (Las Vegas, Chicago for example). Build the casinos now, stop Indiana from taking all the money that Cincinnati could have.
June 26, 200519 yr From the 6/26/05 Akron Beacon Journal: Okla. tribe envisions Stark casino Eastern Shawnee like population, roads and tourist sites in area, but idea gets mixed reaction from county officials and residents By Rick Armon, Beacon Journal staff writer MASSILLON - An Oklahoma-based Indian tribe that wants to open several casinos in Ohio and has inked land deals in four towns is looking at Stark County as a possible site. "It's a county that we would like to be in,'' said Columbus consultant Terry Casey, who has been hired by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe to promote its gambling interests in Ohio. The Eastern Shawnee already has revealed potential casino projects in Lordstown, Lorain, Munroe near Cincinnati, and Botkins in west-central Ohio. The Lordstown proposal, announced in February, is for a $100 million to $300 million complex that would include a casino, hotels, restaurants, shops and other entertainment venues. The Eastern Shawnee, who lived in Ohio until forced out in the 1830s, is enthusiastic about Stark because of its population (378,098, according to the 2000 census), highway system (Interstate 77, state Route 21, and U.S. Routes 30 and 62) and tourist attractions (Pro Football Hall of Fame, National First Ladies' Library and nearby Amish country), Casey said. Full article at http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/11989721.htm
June 28, 200519 yr I expected litigation, and here we go! Both stories from the 6/28/05 Enquirer: Eastern Shawnee suit claims Ohio land rights Okla. tribe has been negotiating for casinos By Jon Craig Enquirer Columbus Bureau COLUMBUS - The Eastern Shawnee tribe from Oklahoma filed a federal lawsuit in Toledo Monday claiming ownership rights to land in three western Ohio counties as well as "hunting, fishing and gathering" rights in 33 other counties - including all of Clermont County, most of Hamilton County and parts of Butler and Warren counties. Tribal lawyer Mason D. Morisset of Seattle, Wash., said the aboriginal hunting and gathering claim could ultimately lead to new uses for the 11,000 square miles of land - from casinos to simply a museum honoring the Shawnee. At a news conference in Columbus, Morisset said the land had been taken violently from the tribe when it was driven out of Ohio by soldiers and settlers. Various treaties also gave the tribe continued hunting and fishing rights, he said. If the state does not agree to give any land back, he said, the tribe is asking for an acceptable financial settlement, which he said could be "astronomical." Full article at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050628/NEWS01/506280359/1056/rss02 Indian law expert says suit's precedent unclear By Marla Matzer Rose Enquirer staff writer The Eastern Shawnee tribe has made no secret that it would like to open casinos in Ohio. The tribe already has gambling operations in Missouri, and it has established a Web site, www.ShawneeOhioResorts.com, that argues for introducing casinos to Ohio. The site even features an artist's rendering of a proposed gambling resort that the tribe would like to see located in Monroe, where the tribe has claimed hunting, fishing and gathering rights. But will the lawsuit filed by the tribe Monday result in Ohio's first legal casino? Even if the tribe is successful in some of its claim, an expert says there's no way of saying what the result will be. "There's really no model. It's been done all different ways," said Robert A. Williams, professor of federal Indian law at the University of Arizona. Williams said there is no guarantee that the tribe will establish claim on particular pieces of land, or be granted the right to run gambling operations on that land. The tribe says Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro refused to meet with tribal representatives, "forcing" the tribe to take federal action. About a month ago, Petro rejected another land claim on the part of the Ottawa tribe; that tribe had laid claim to one of Ohio's Lake Erie islands. At that time, a spokesman for Petro said the attorney general had not responded to the Eastern Shawnee's claims because he and his office disagreed with the tribe's claim. Full article at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050628/NEWS01/506280360/1056/rss02
July 8, 200519 yr From the AP, 7/8/05: Indians' suit over Ohio land has casino motive By Joe Danborn The Associated Press COLUMBUS - Oklahoma-based American Indian tribes are leaning on 200-year-old treaties to regain land in Ohio for more a modern motive: money. The Eastern Shawnee tribe sued the state last week, demanding title to 146 square miles of western Ohio, along with back taxes and other money the state has made since acquiring it. The suit also seeks hunting rights on another 11,315 square miles. In announcing the suit, members of the tribe spoke about traditional songs lamenting their removal from Ohio in 1831 and promising a return. The Eastern Shawnee readily acknowledge, however, that they'll settle for a piece of land worth building a casino on. "The land is very sacred," Chief Charles Enyart said. "We're also business people." Observers say land claims such as those by the Eastern Shawnee and the swelling revenue of Indian gaming are results of Congress' decision 17 years ago to condone and start regulating the tribal gambling, coupled with increased pressure on tribes to be self-sufficient. Full article at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050708/NEWS01/507080401/1056/rss02
July 10, 200519 yr They didn't get enough signatures to put a referendum on the November ballot. Now they're looking at November 2006. I believe they have a much better chance for Nov. 2006 due to just having a lot more time to make their case.
July 15, 200519 yr Hmm...Warren County is bucking the trend. From the 7/15/05 DDN: Warren looks to bar casinos First fairgrounds lease may prohibit gaming form By Lawrence Budd Dayton Daily News LEBANON | Warren County commissioners want the first-ever lease with the county fair board to ensure that the county fairgrounds in Lebanon is not used for casino-style gambling. Lebanon Raceway, a privately run track on the fairgrounds, closed Monday to make way for the Warren County Fair, which begins Monday. TVs used to display horse races held around the world for bettors will remain dark until July 29 while agricultural and other fair activities occupy the 66-acre, $14 million publicly owned complex. The track's lease of the fairgrounds, unique in Ohio's 88 counties, is negotiated between owners of two private companies operating Lebanon Raceway and a 12-member board elected during the fair. Renewal of that lease has been held up, according to county officials, by negotiations of what is apparently the first lease between the fair board and county commissioners. The county government owns the fairgrounds on Ohio 48 in Lebanon. Full article at http://www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/content/localnews/daily/0715fair.html
July 15, 200519 yr No wonder Ohio is a slow growth state. Look at all the oppositions across the whole state.
July 20, 200519 yr From the 7/20/05 Enquirer: PHOTO: Mayor Charlie Luken Luken may help push gambling Mayor in talks about working for track group seeking slots By Jon Craig and Gregory Korte Enquirer staff writers COLUMBUS - Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken has been approached about helping place a gambling initiative on Ohio's ballot next year. Luken, who wants to bring a casino to downtown Cincinnati, confirmed Tuesday that he discussed an executive position with a group of horse racing interests to bring electronic slot machines to tracks in Ohio. Luken said the mayor's office is a full-time job and he has no plans to leave before his term expires Dec. 1. He is not seeking re-election. Luken had a 40-minute conversation with racetrack interests Monday. "I don't even know exactly what the job is," Luken said. "I have an understanding of what they want to do, but I don't have a clear understanding of everything about the job - how long it would last and what it would do." The job is with the Ohio Horse Racing Council, which represents seven racetracks - including River Downs in Anderson Township and Lebanon Raceway - and various horseman associations. The group supports installing video-lottery terminals - VLTs - at the tracks. Full article at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050720/NEWS01/507200333/1056/rss02
July 28, 200519 yr From the 7/28/05 PD: Shawnee chief, Voinovich trade arguments on Ohio casinos Thursday, July 28, 2005 Sabrina Eaton Plain Dealer Bureau Washington - The chief of an Indian tribe attempting to build casinos in Ohio faced off with Sen. George Voinovich on Wednesday at a Senate hearing on whether to curtail off-reservation gambling. Chief Charles D. Enyart of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, which has proposed casinos in Lorain, Lordstown and other communities, told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee that his tribe seeks "a mutually beneficial and political economic relationship with the state" 150 years after its ancestors were forcibly removed from Ohio. He told committee Chairman John McCain that his tribe didn't have the resources to pursue Ohio land claims until recently, and that it filed a lawsuit last month seeking return of its ancestral lands only after Ohio elected officials refused to discuss the matter. Building casinos in Ohio would economically boost host towns and help lift his once impoverished tribe "to the level of prosperity that once was ours," Enyart told McCain, who has conducted several hearings to determine whether Indian gambling laws should be revised. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1122543265121290.xml&coll=2
August 13, 200519 yr From Copley News Service, 8/13/05: In Washington, Ohio gambling push runs into opposition Saturday, August 13, 2005 By Paul M. Krawzak Copley News Service WASHINGTON – The state’s two senators are backing efforts in Congress that would prevent the Eastern Band of Shawnees from opening casinos in Massillon or other proposed sites in Ohio. Both Sens. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, oppose any expansion of gaming in the state and have signed on as supporters of legislation that would prohibit or restrict Indian gaming in Ohio. In recent weeks, Voinovich has become one of the Senate’s most prominent foes of Indian gaming. Testifying before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee last month, Voinovich accused the Oklahoma-based Shawnee of blackmailing the state through a lawsuit that he said has the ulterior motive of acquiring gaming rights in Ohio. “The Eastern Shawnee, and the groups financing their efforts in Ohio, are clearly blackmailing the state and they are not even being subtle about it,” he said. “The reality here is that they were looking at location and then looking at the legality of bringing in a casino.” Shawnee Chief Charles D. Enyart took exception to Voinovich’s statement at the same hearing. “Our land claim has never been intended to be blackmail,” he told the committee, which is chaired by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. “We have been upfront with the state of Ohio.” Enyart said the tribe sued the state after Gov. Bob Taft and Attorney General Jim Petro, who oppose Indian gaming, refused to discuss Shawnee claims. Full article at http://www.indeonline.com/left.php?ID=3747&r=1&Category=1
August 21, 200519 yr From the 8/21/05 Massillon Independent: Casino could boost local tourism Sunday, August 21, 2005 By DOUG STALEY [email protected] Every few months or so, Jim and Barbara Hoagland round up some cash, pack their bags and hop on a tour bus headed across Ohio’s borders. Their destination: a resort casino. On Tuesday morning, the Massillon couple will depart for the Argosy casino near Cincinnati. While the Hoaglands don’t mind the travel, Jim said he and his wife would stick closer to home – and spend their money here – if casino gambling were legal in Ohio. Full article at http://www.indeonline.com/left.php?ID=3815&r=1&Category=1
August 26, 200519 yr From the 8/24/05 Enquirer: Study: $4B from Ohio casinos, but 100,000 problem gamblers By Jon Craig Enquirer Columbus Bureau COLUMBUS – A new study released this morning of the potential impact of legalizing casinos in Ohio says it will generate $4 billion in annual revenues, but also create more than 100,000 new problem gamblers. The Greater Cleveland Partnership and several Cincinnati-based companies sponsored the research on the statewide economic and social implications of casinos. The research was done by Strategic Partner Management Consulting and the Maxine Levin Goodman College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. The study found: * Potential revenues from casinos at seven existing horsetracks including Lebanon Raceway and River Downs, as well as 11 new locations, is an estimated $4.071 billion a year, resulting in about $610 million per year in state and local tax revenues. * Casinos could generate $3.7 billion in 41,000 temporary construction jobs as well as 85,000 in new long-term jobs. * The cost of gambling prevention and treatment could total $29.7 million a year. Full article at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050824/NEWS01/308240005
August 29, 200519 yr Studies put casino cards on table Data likely to spur anticipatory real estate deals Dan Monk and Lucy May Senior Staff Reporters Let the jockeying begin. The release this week of two studies on the social and economic impact of casino gambling in Ohio is likely to touch off a frenzy of real estate deals and business alliances as casino interests posture for what's now estimated to be a $4 billion gaming market. The studies, available online at www.ohiogaminginfo.org, concluded that casinos would create 85,000 new jobs and generate $610 million in annual tax revenue for state and local governments. On the down side, the studies found that new casinos in seven Ohio cities would also increase the number of Ohioans with gambling problems from 3 percent to 4 percent of the population, essentially creating 109,000 new problem gamblers. Full article at http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2005/08/29/story1.html
August 29, 200519 yr I guess that gambling study really got people thinking. Queensgate and Broadway Commons are interesting choices. If the new Brent Spence bridge moves further west . . . Kentuckians could just hop on the bridge to casino. There's all kinds of possibilities.
August 31, 200519 yr An article about trying to get it on the ballot, from the 8/28/05 PD: Casino coalition looking at '06 ballot Supporters say study may be key to debate Sunday, August 28, 2005 Tom Breckenridge Plain Dealer Reporter This time next year, Ohioans could be debating a crucial November vote - not just who should be the next governor, but also whether Ohio should open casinos. Last week's release of a cost- benefit study on casinos has stoked the fervor of pro-casino heavyweights. They believe they can craft and win a ballot initiative in November 2006 to change Ohio's constitution and allow casinos, most likely at the state's seven racetracks and in a handful of big cities, including Cleveland. Voters have crushed casino initiatives twice since 1990. Gambling opponents criticized last week's study as "propaganda" tailored to fit the wishes of business leaders. The study, done by a Michigan firm, showed that 18 casinos could spin $8.2 billion and 85,000 jobs into Ohio's economy. Casino supporters described the study, paid for by business leaders in Cleveland and Cincinnati, as unbiased research that is vital to the debate over what Ohioans might accept when it comes to casino development. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/casino/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/iscas/1125226502182410.xml&coll=2
September 4, 200519 yr From the 8/31/05 PD: A few more nails in casino coffins Voinovich, DeWine push new bill to stop Indian tribes setting up games Wednesday, August 31, 2005 Julie Carr Smyth Plain Dealer Bureau Columbus - Ohio's two Republican senators will push legislation that would keep Indian tribes from establishing casinos prohibited by the Ohio Constitution. Flanked by an array of other high-powered gambling opponents at a Tuesday news conference, U.S. Sen. George Voinovich vowed to keep casino interests out of the state as he has helped do twice in the last decade. He said the new bill would clarify a point of law that otherwise might allow tribes eager to establish casinos to do so even though the state's constitution prohibits it. "It looks to be like getting Indian gaming in Ohio is very, very remote," Voinovich said. "What we're doing is we're just adding a couple of more nails to the coffin." Joining Voinovich was Sen. Mike DeWine. DeWine said the societal costs of gambling are too high. Among his examples were increased suicides, crime, bankruptcies and domestic abuse. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1125480803285430.xml&coll=2 From Columbus Business First, 8/31/05: Tribe: Don't believe casino horror stories Tony Goins Business First Dire threats about the effects of casino gambling are overblown, said a representative for an Indian tribe trying to open casinos in Ohio. Some 33 states have added casino gambling over the last 15 years, said Terry Casey, a Columbus-based consultant representing the Eastern Shawnee Indian tribe, without any major repercussions. Fifteen years ago, only New Jersey and Nevada had legalized casinos. "If they were so bad, it wouldn't have gone in 15 years from two states to 35 states," Casey said Wednesday. Casey was responding to a Tuesday press conference by Republican senators George Voinovich and Mike DeWine. The senators touted a proposed bill to make it harder for Indian tribes to open casinos in states. They cited studies saying casino gambling leads to increased gambling addiction, domestic abuse, theft and embezzlement. Full article at http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/08/29/daily21.html?from_rss=1
September 17, 200519 yr From the 9/16/05 PD: Greater Cleveland business panel joins casino fray Friday, September 16, 2005 Tom Breckenridge Plain Dealer Reporter Greater Cleveland's business leaders will try to do in 3½ months what others haven't accomplished in years - craft a casino proposal backed by gambling interests, civic leaders and public officials. Fresh off a study showing casinos would create tens of thousands of jobs and spin hundreds of millions of dollars into Ohio's economy, the Greater Cleveland Partnership's board of directors voted Wednesday to try to build a statewide coalition and shape a proposal to change Ohio's constitution and allow casinos. The partnership's recent study, backed by Cincinnati business leaders, "showed gaming is a very, potentially powerful tool, but only if it's done right," Joe Roman, chief executive of the partnership, said Thursday. "We'll see how many people agree with that." The partnership's effort has the potential to either collide with or unify three other efforts to land casinos in Ohio. A coalition of casino interests, including racetrack owners and developers, has polled Ohioans on casinos and is debating a proposal for the November 2006 ballot. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/casino/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1126863661283130.xml&coll=2
September 25, 200519 yr From the 9/25/05 PD: Clevelanders support casino gambling, residency laws, poll shows Sunday, September 25, 2005 Olivera Perkins Plain Dealer Reporter Clevelanders want public officials to take the gamble and bring casinos to the city, a poll by The Plain Dealer shows. Nearly two-thirds of Clevelanders want casinos in the city. Almost 30 percent are against them, and the rest are undecided, according to the newspaper's survey, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc., of Washington, D.C. Support for casinos transcends race, neighborhood, age and gender, but white voters, West Siders, those over 35 and men were the strongest proponents. For example, 66 percent of white voters support legalized gambling compared to 59 percent of black voters. Among men, 68 percent support casino gambling, compared to 58 percent for women. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1127641126199560.xml&coll=2
October 9, 200519 yr From the 10/8/05 Enquirer: Luken now state horse-racing overseer Taft appoints outgoing mayor to Ohio commission until 2009 By Jon Craig Enquirer Columbus Bureau Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken was appointed to the Ohio State Racing Commission Friday by Gov. Bob Taft. The commission regulates and licenses horse racing at seven tracks including Lebanon Raceway and River Downs in Anderson Township. It also: * Oversees wagering * Levies and collects licensing fees on track owners, jockeys, judges and other racetrack employees * Provides penalties for violation of the state racing rules. Full article at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051008/NEWS01/510080373/1056/rss02
October 17, 200519 yr From the 10/15/05 PD: Petro moves to dismiss Oklahoma tribe's claim Saturday, October 15, 2005 Rejecting a claim by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma to thousands of acres of land in Ohio, Attorney General Jim Petro Friday moved to dismiss the case in U.S. District Court in Toledo. "We do not believe the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma are entitled to any land in Ohio, whether state-owned or not," Petro said in a statement Friday. The Eastern Shawnee sued 61 government entities and individuals - including Gov. Bob Taft, several state agencies, two cities, four villages and commissioners in 30 counties - making claims to 94,000 acres in Ohio. The tribe made it clear it was interested in bringing casino gambling to the state, which Petro opposes. The tribe has signed casino-resort deals in four Ohio cities, including Lorain and Lordstown, but those deals need state and federal approval, as well as a change in the Ohio Constitution to allow casinos. There are no federally recognized Indian tribes or lands in Ohio. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1129368906179170.xml&coll=2
October 21, 200519 yr From the 10/19/05 AP: Petro gets OK to hire expert to oppose Indian casino push Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Associated Press Columbus -- Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro can spend up to $35,000 for expert advice in opposing Indian tribes who want to claim Ohio land for the development of casinos. The state Controlling Board on Monday approved a contract between Petro's office and Alexander von Gernet of Mississauga, Ontario, who was recommended to Petro by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. The Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma has made claims on thousands of acres of former reservation land in Ohio. Last week, Petro argued that the tribe has no legitimate right to land it left in the 1830s. The claims in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Toledo include the entire city of Wapakoneta, parts of Lima and rural land near Bellefontaine. Attorneys for the state say the land the Shawnee are claiming has become more urban and is divided among private landowners. Von Gernet will research the history of the tribe in Oklahoma and the merit of its claims in Ohio, other states and Canada, Petro's office said in its request before the state Controlling Board. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/112971455193511.xml&coll=2
October 31, 200519 yr From the 10/28/05 Middletown Journal: Both sides of casino debate watching votes Monroe, Lordstown votes to offer glimpse of public sentiment MONROE — Both sides in Ohio’s casino gambling debate are watching the votes in two small communities on dry-sounding ballot issues about “authorizing an intergovernmental agreement” for casinos that don’t exist. With a statewide ballot issue on legalizing gambling possible for 2006, the votes in Monroe and Lordstown offer a potential glimpse of public sentiment about casinos. The referendum votes are on deals the local governments have made with the Eastern Shawnee Indians on revenue-sharing and other issues, in case the tribe is ever allowed to build casinos in Ohio. In Monroe gambling opponents think a solid defeat of the issue would take the steam out of the Oklahoma-based Eastern Shawnee efforts to overcome state and federal hurdles to building casinos. “This is a rare opportunity for the people of Monroe to take a stand on what they think about casino gambling,” said the Rev. Brad Olson, pastor of the Monroe United Methodist Church. “A strong ‘no’ vote would send a clear signal that we don’t want a casino.” Full article at http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/news/stories/2005/10/28/mj1028CasinoVotesA1.html
November 12, 200519 yr From the 11/10/05 Enquirer: Gambling promoters told to halt By Marla Matzer Rose Enquirer staff writer Ohio securities regulators have ruled that the investment pitches of two groups looking to bring Indian gaming to the state violate Ohio laws. The Division of Securities issued a cease and desist order Friday to Botkins, Ohio-based National Capital I and Harrod, Ohio-based A Piece of the Action LLC. Both have been seeking investors for casinos proposed by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. One of the casinos is proposed for Monroe. The two groups are allowed to request a hearing from the division within 30 days to reconsider the ruling. Charles F. Hertlein Jr., a lawyer with the downtown Cincinnati firm of Dinsmore & Shohl who represents National Capital I, said his clients think there are inaccuracies in the ruling that they would like to address "informally" with the division. He said Wednesday that his clients were reviewing their options, and no date for a formal or informal meeting with the division has been set. Hertlein said he could not outline exactly what the alleged inaccuracies were. Full article at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051110/BIZ01/511100327/1076/rss01
November 12, 200519 yr I think Ohioans are sick of Taft and his crew, there is no way Ohio is voting in another Republican Governor in my opinion.
December 28, 200519 yr From the 12/28/05 Enquirer: Ohio, Ky. see gambling pie shrinking States fear W.Va., Pa. moves will suck away local dollars By Patrick Crowley Enquirer staff writer Advocates to legalize casino gambling in Ohio will lobby in Columbus in the coming weeks while keeping a close eye on Frankfort, Ky., and Charleston, W.Va. As Ohio lawmakers debate the issue, their counterparts in Kentucky and West Virginia also will consider gaming legislation. The Ohio casino backers are planning a push to allow slot machines at racetracks such as River Downs in Anderson Township. Lawmakers in both Ohio and Kentucky are likely to be asked to put such an issue on the statewide ballot. The renewed debate over gambling comes as West Virginia considers expanding gaming from just slots at four racetracks to full-blown casinos at the facilities, with poker, blackjack and table games. Gaming companies and others say the expansion is needed to compete with Pennsylvania, which recently legalized gaming. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051228/NEWS0103/512280342/1059/rss13
January 15, 200619 yr From the 1/14/06 PD: Track owners betting on slots-only casinos Machines seen as easier sell to Ohio voters Saturday, January 14, 2006 Tom Breckenridge Plain Dealer Reporter Racetrack owners and local developers are discussing a November ballot issue that would allow slot machines at Ohio's seven horse tracks, at two sites in Cleveland and possibly at other sites in the state. Track operators have talked with representatives of Forest City Enterprises Inc., the real estate giant, and developer Jeff Jacobs, operator of the Nautica Entertainment Complex, about a campaign that would bring slots-only casinos to downtown Cleveland. It's the latest effort by racetrack owners to land slots. Repeatedly rebuffed in the state legislature, track operators seem to favor a statewide initiative to get the issue before voters. They would need 320,000 signatures to get on the ballot. Voters would be asked to amend the Ohio Constitution and allow for slot machines. Slots supporters would probably have to spend $10 million-plus on a campaign that faces stiff opposition from all statewide officeholders, including U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, as well as staunch anti-gambling forces. Voters have shot down casino initiatives twice in the last 16 years. But track operators believe - and they say polling shows - that Ohioans are more receptive to Las Vegas-style gambling, now that the state is flanked by gambling venues. Track owners said their struggling industry sorely needs the hundreds of millions of dollars Ohioans are spending at racetrack slots in West Virginia, riverboats in Indiana and casinos in Michigan. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/113723121375681.xml&coll=2 From the 1/9/06 Zanesville Times Recorder: PHOTO: Nellie Bachman, Hebron, plays one of the games at Treasure Cove in South Zanesville. The establishment has 60 skill games. TREVOR JONES/Times Recorder Is it gambling or not? Owner of new entertainment center says skill required to win games By KATHY THOMPSON Staff Writer SOUTH ZANESVILLE - A new form of entertainment has hit South Zanesville. Gambling - or a game of skill, according to Tim Nolan, 44, owner and operator of the new Treasure Cove Skills Center. Nolan, who opened the center, which is located 2920 Maysville Pike, a couple of months ago, has 50 machines very similar to slot machines found in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and on cruise ships. You put money in the machine to earn points which can garner you prizes or money. Nolan explained the difference between gambling machines and his. Machines in gambling establishments can be stopped by the machine itself, while the machines in his center have to be stopped by the person operating the machine. "That's what makes this a game of skill, not chance," Nolan said. "That makes all the difference. This is not gambling, it's a game of skill because you have to stop the machine yourself. It will not stop at any time for you. The machine would just spin forever if the operator did not manually stop it." Full article at http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/NEWS01/601090303/1002/NEWS17
January 17, 200619 yr Not in Ohio, but still applies to us. Let me tell you, I LOVE FOREST CITY. High-stakes game in Pittsburgh Forest City, Penguins vying for right to own only casino in city Tuesday, January 17, 2006 Christopher Montgomery Plain Dealer Reporter The competition for Pittsburgh's slots casino license is shaping up as a battle between Cleveland's Forest City Enterprises Inc. and a team led by the Pittsburgh Penguins professional hockey franchise. In Forest City's corner is Harrah's Entertainment Inc. of Las Vegas, the world's largest gaming company. Backing the Penguins is a Mississippibased casino chain that's offering to build a new arena for the team, at no cost to taxpayers. It's a high-stakes game with a big payout: the right to own a casino - the city's only one - with up to 5,000 slots. It also has big implications for Ohio. When Pennsylvania's slots parlors start to open either this year or next, Ohio will be an island in a sea of gambling. "When you see Ohio's leisure dollars going across the border to [racetrack casinos] in West Virginia, floating casinos in Indiana, slots in Pennsylvania, it's going to be tough for legislators or voters to turn a blind eye and ignore it," said Joe Weinert, vice president of Spectrum Gaming Group, a gambling-industry consulting firm in Northfield, N.J. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business/113749892546040.xml&coll=2&thispage=1
March 20, 200619 yr From the 3/19/06 Akron Beacon Journal: Tribe presses city to decide about casino Massillon officials await comments of public; gambling needs state OK By Rick Armon Beacon Journal staff writer MASSILLON - The Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma is pushing city leaders to sign a deal that could bring a resort-style casino to Stark County. The tribe already has inked similar agreements with Lordstown, Monroe and Botkins, which are on the tribe's priority list if casino gambling becomes legal in Ohio or the Eastern Shawnee force a settlement with the state in the tribe's ongoing land-claim lawsuit in federal court. Massillon has the opportunity to join that short list. The tribe wants an answer -- casino or no casino -- this month. "Our main message is: If Stark County wants to have casino gambling, this is the best potential vehicle to get it done,'' said Terry Casey, a Columbus lobbyist who is working with the Eastern Shawnee. If casinos become legal in the state, and Massillon hasn't expressed an interest, "Stark County is going to get lost in the shuffle and ignored,'' he added. Full article at http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/14136338.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news
March 22, 200619 yr From the 3/21/06 Canton Repository: Massillon debates Shawnee casino Tuesday, March 21, 2006 BY Benjamin Duer REPOSITORY STAFF WRITER MASSILLON - Will a proposed casino resort bring thousands of jobs and spur an economic growth unseen since the days of steel mills? Or will it destroy the moral fiber of Stark County’s society, promoting gambling addictions, increasing criminal activity and harming marriages? It depends on one’s view. City Council members were inundated with both viewpoints Monday from a standing-room-only crowd that spent parts of two hours discussing a casino resort. At least 100 people packed the room for the first of two public hearings on a proposal to sign an intergovernmental agreement on a casino resort with the Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma. More at http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=275913
March 23, 200619 yr From the 3/22/06 PD: Accord may be near on casino ballot proposal Wednesday, March 22, 2006 Tom Breckenridge Plain Dealer Reporter The advent of spring heralds the promise of a new cash crop for Ohio -- casinos. A deal may be imminent for a casino initiative on the November ballot, while the Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma is pushing new resort deals that could include settlement of its federal lawsuit against Ohio. Sources say owners of Ohio's seven racetracks are close to agreement with Forest City Enterprises Inc. and developer Jeff Jacobs over a November ballot issue that would ask voters to approve slots parlors at tracks, plus two sites in downtown Cleveland and one site in Cincinnati. But Cleveland's top business, labor and public officials are pushing for full-fledged casinos -- slots and table games. Track owners have proposed a compromise -- after four years, voters in the counties with the racetracks and slots parlors could vote to bring in table games, sources said. That may not be soon enough for Cleveland's powerbrokers, who want full-blown casinos from the start, said Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones. Jones said he was to meet with Mayor Frank Jackson, Council President Martin Sweeney and business leaders Tuesday evening at the Union Club to discuss the issue. In the past, casino talks have included lawyer Fred Nance, new chairman of the Greater Cleveland Partnership; National City Chairman and Chief Executive David Daberko; and AFL-CIO head John Ryan. Officials were to discuss how to persuade the players to allow the table-game vote in less than four years, Jones said. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/114302009983700.xml&coll=2
March 23, 200619 yr ^Get it to the voters, that's the fairest way. This November will work for me. I haven't read what Mayor Mallory thinks of casinos. No Columbus?, seems odd.
March 23, 200619 yr Does anyone know where these 2 proposed casinos would be? At least one would be close to tower city I would imagine since Forest City is involved. Rehabbing both the Higbee and May co. buildings would be pretty nice, but new construction would be great. The huge parking lot on east 4th and prospect would be a nice location for new construction.
March 23, 200619 yr I've heard Scranton Peninsula for the FCE casino and the West Bank of the Flats for the Jacobs casino. But I think the FCE one could be anywhere, seeing how much vacant land/buildings they own. Interestingly enough, I also had someone who has seen K&D's master plan tell me that if the West Bank casino goes through, K&D would invest even more heavily into the West Bank and continue Stonebridge, building it right up to the casino. Who knows....
March 25, 200619 yr ^ Here is the portion of the slot proposal spelling out guidelines for where these should be located. I guess this will help you narrow down possible sites: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, slot machines shall be permitted at the seven permitted commercial horse racing tracks, at one location within the City of Cincinnati no more than three miles from Fountain Square, and at two locations each fronting on the existing main channel of the Cuyahoga River in the City of Cleveland, one on the west bank within the area generally known as the Nautica Entertainment Complex and with frontage of approximately 1,430 feet in length, extending 560 feet to the northwest and 870 feet to the southeast of the intersection of the center line of vacated Main Avenue and the Cuyahoga River, and one on the east bank within the area generally known as Tower City and starting at the northeast corner of West Third Street, where it meets the east bank of the Cuyahoga River and extending north and west along the east bank of the Cuyahoga River for not more than 1,700 feet and having a depth of not more than 460 feet from the east bank of the Cuyahoga River. The games authorized in this section shall be conducted only at the locations authorized herein, and, in the discretion of the facility owner, may be conducted twenty-four hours each day. No more than three thousand such devices may be operated at any one facility, except that no more than four thousand such devices may be operated at the Tower City location and no more than three thousand four hundred such devices may be operated at the Nautica Entertainment Complex location, provided that facilities located at permitted commercial horse racing tracks within the same county or adjacent counties may, by agreement, provide for the transfer of such devices between such facilities. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to authorize live games associated with casinos, including, but not limited to roulette, card games, and dice games, except that such games may be conducted at a facility authorized in this section if the voters in the county in which that facility is located approve the conduct of such additional games by a majority vote. If a permitted commercial horse racing track is not situated wholly within a single county, then such vote shall be conducted in the most populous county in which such permitted commercial horse racing track is situated. No such vote may be conducted prior to the fourth general election following the approval of this amendment. You can read the whole thing here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060324/NEWS01/303240005/1056/rss02
March 25, 200619 yr Casino downtown? It's possible But not before a fight over gambling proposal BY KIMBALL PERRY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER A casino could be coming to Cincinnati's riverfront - or a location near Fountain Square - under a proposal to change Ohio's constitution to allow gambling. Twice since 1990, Ohio voters have killed attempts to legalize gambling. Since then, though, states abutting Ohio have legalized gambling and are "leeching hundreds of millions of dollars out of this state," said state Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Green Township, who supports the proposal. The latest proposal, unveiled Friday by the Learn and Earn Committee, proposed changing Ohio's constitution to allow slot machines - and could pave the way for casinos. It calls for using the revenues to provide $700 million annually to fund college scholarships for Ohio students and $200 million a year to governments for economic development. The proposal would also allow local voters in counties with slot machines - including Hamilton and Cuyahoga counties - to vote on creating casinos after four years. If successful, the proposal would allow slot machines at Ohio's seven horse-racing tracks, including River Downs in Anderson Township and Lebanon Raceway in Warren County. More at http://www.enquirer.com
March 25, 200619 yr As great as this sounds..I am not holding my breath. I don't think casinos are the absolute answer, but I would like to see that money stay here instead of go elsewhere. Plain and simple, we need good, sound, higher end paying jobs to get Ohio's economy going again. Casinos however, would be a definite economic boost if money was shelled out properly to the right agencies. I hope that the bible belt, dooms dayers will realize that as long as there is gambling somewhere, gamblers are going to go to it. Why not keep it here?
March 25, 200619 yr As much as I like Casinos and would love to see Casino Gambling in Ohio, it would do very little to help downtowns. If you think about it how many cities have Casinos downtown or practically downtown as an economic boost yet in reality it does little to help downtown For example both detroit and St. Louis both have Casinos within walking distance to their Central Business Districts yet there does not seem to be a big spill over effect. While it is true that a Casino will bring a lot of people to an urban area, if you look at most Casino's they are not very pedestrian friendly. Their job is to keep people in the Casino and gamble, not to encourage them to shop and walk the streets of the area they are in. Even when people go there for other activities, such as shopping, dining, or entertainment, the purpose is to keep them on the Casino Grounds at all times. How many Casinos outside of Vegas and Maybe Atlantic City has anyone seen that try and intertwine themselves with the urban environment? I would argue that Vegas does a bad job at this too. If a Casino were built in Cincy or Cleve., under traditional Casino methods, the Casino would have a primary access from a large complex parking structure which often isolates the Casino further from the urban environment. It would offer nothing to encourage its patrons to leave the complex and would isolate itself from the rest of the city. With this being said, I am all for a Casino in the area if it can be done right, or if it can be done in a way that would not create a disjointed downtown or urban environment.
March 25, 200619 yr I would imagine that casinos could be built that would JUST be casinos. No food, no retail, no hotel, no attached parking, maybe limited table sales of alcohol, but no bar. Then it would encourage spinoff development. Unfortunately, the current proposal that is getting the attention is for slots only casinos. Talk about trashy.
March 27, 200619 yr From the 3/25/06 Massillon Independent: Council riding fence on casino Saturday, March 25, 2006 By R.J. VILLELLA [email protected] With a vote looming on a resort-style casino that Shawnee representatives say could mean 2,400 direct jobs and 6,000 indirect jobs and millions in revenue for the city, very few of Massillon’s City Council members are ready to reveal how they will vote. No one has come out and said they are opposed at this point in time. Most say they’re holding out for more input from the public. The second public hearing in as many weeks is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall. At-Large Councilman Paul Manson admits he is leaning in favor of the project at this time. “I’m not opposed to casinos,” he said. “I want to finish the hearings and get all the questions answered. I think the state of Ohio should be doing more to legalize gambling.” More at http://www.indeonline.com/left.php?ID=6306&r=2&Category=1
March 29, 200619 yr From the 3/28/06 Canton Repository: Casino opponents heard Tuesday, March 28, 2006 BY Benjamin Duer REPOSITORY STAFF WRITER MASSILLON - That warmth that proponents of a casino resort felt last week was tempered by the moral voices of opposition Monday night. “The poorest and greatest losers are those who are unemployed and have low or no income,” said former City Councilman Kenneth Carver. “Why place the seduction and entrapment of a casino before those who can least afford it?” A conservative estimate of 180 Stark County residents — many from Massillon — tested the capacity and comfortability of City Council chamber to show support or opposition for a proposal to build a casino resort in Massillon. Monday night was the second of two public hearings on a proposal to sign an intergovernmental agreement with the Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma. Last week, a standing-room-only crowd — mostly pro-casino — attended the first session. More at http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=277245
April 4, 200619 yr From the 3/30/06 Massillon Independent: PHOTO: A sketch by architect Lee Loveland shows plans for a retail mecca as part of a proposed casino-resort for the former Republic Steel site. ARTIST’S RENDERING The future ... or a fantasy? Thursday, March 30, 2006 By R.J. VILLELLA [email protected] Developer Steve DiPietro revealed at a public meeting Wednesday part of what he says is The Eastern Shawnee’s vision of a resort-style casino in Massillon. A sketch by Seattle architect Lee Loveland shows a picturesque retail center, built around a sparkling man-made lake, which is traversed by canoeists. Council members in attendance marvelled at the artwork, but some questioned the timeframe and feasibility of such a project here. “It looks awesome,” said Councilman Donnie Peters. “But that’s in phase 3. That’s probably five to six years down the line.” “It looks very beautiful,” Councilwoman Katherine Catazaro-Perry said of the rendering. “I don’t know how much money they have, and I don’t know if it is feasible for them. All the different pieces of the project would have to fall into place.” Full article at http://www.indeonline.com/archive/left_archive.php?ID=6371&r=0
April 4, 200619 yr From the 3/31/06 Massillon Independent: Issues swirl about casino Friday, March 31, 2006 By R.J. VILLELLA [email protected] Questions still surround a proposal to bring a resort-style casino to Massillon. Massillon City Council members, set to vote Monday on an intergovernmental agreement with the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, say the tribe’s tight deadline puts them at a disadvantage. For many on Council, the big question is “Why the rush?” Tribe representatives have said the signed agreement is critical to its strategy in a federal lawsuit to claim land in more than 30 Ohio counties, but council members want more answers. Today, they’ll have the opportunity to pose questions to Shawnee Chief Charles Enyart and the tribe’s lead legal counsel Mason Morisset. The public can attend the 10:30 a.m. meeting, but can’t comment. Full article at http://www.indeonline.com/archive/left_archive.php?ID=6374&r=0
April 4, 200619 yr From the 4/2/06 Massillon Independent: Tribe gives city time Sunday, April 2, 2006 By R.J. VILLELLA [email protected] City Council will get a 90-day breather on the intergovernmental agreement, and instead will be asked to sign a beefed-up resolution of support for the resort-style casino proposed for the former Republic site. Mason Morisset, lead counsel for the Eastern Shawnee of Oklahoma, told City Council Friday morning it wasn’t fair to put pressure on them to get the 14-page contract signed by Monday. “I’m apologizing to him (Law Director Perry Stergios) and to you (City Council),” Morisset said to the seven members of council and Council President Glenn Gamber Friday in Council Chambers in front of a battalion of cameras and microphones. “The deadline was of my making. If I were in Perry’s shoes. I would have done the same thing.” Full article at http://www.indeonline.com/left.php?ID=6406&r=1&Category=1
April 7, 200619 yr From the 4/5/06 Dispatch: Second group bets on slots Plan could set up expensive ballot battle Wednesday, April 05, 2006 Joe Hallett and James Nash THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH A second ballot amendment to permit slot machines at Ohio horseracing tracks has been proposed, potentially setting up an expensive showdown between deep-pocketed gambling interests for supremacy in the state. Penn National Gaming Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company with more than $2 billion in revenue last year, is prepared to bankroll a campaign to get voter approval Nov. 7 of a constitutional amendment permitting as many as 5,000 slot machines at each of Ohio’s seven thoroughbred and harness racetracks. Proposed ballot language filed by a Penn National-sponsored group called the Education Yes Committee was submitted to the Ohio attorney general Monday, less than two weeks after a group called the Ohio Legacy Fund submitted a similar proposal. Ohio Legacy is sponsored by wealthy Cleveland developers Jeff Jacobs and Albert Ratner and six of the seven racetrack owners. Among key differences between the proposals is that Ohio Legacy’s eventually would allow local voters to approve casinos at the racetracks, along with two others in downtown Cleveland and one in downtown Cincinnati. Statehouse observers speculated that Penn National is seeking the rival gambling amendment to protect its Argosy casino in Lawrenceburg, Ind., from casino competition in nearby Cincinnati. Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/04/05/20060405-A1-00.html From the 4/6/06 PD: Gambling foe objects to ballot wording Details on slots proposal being withheld, he says Thursday, April 06, 2006 Tom Breckenridge Plain Dealer Reporter An anti-gambling firebrand is charging that slots supporters are trying to mislead voters with ballot language proposed for the November ballot. The conservative Ohio Roundtable, a public policy group led by David Zanotti, wants the attorney general's office to scrutinize 11 instances of what it calls misleading and incomplete language in a proposed ballot summary. Attorney General Jim Petro's office is checking whether the summary is a "truthful and accurate" reflection of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow slot machines at Ohio's seven horse tracks, two sites in Cleveland and one in Cincinnati. The attorney general must review the summary before the slots group can begin gathering some 322,000 signatures needed to get the proposal on the ballot. The "Learn and Earn" group - backed by most track owners, Forest City Enterprises Inc. and businessman Jeff Jacobs - says slots could generate up to $800 million for college tuition for high school graduates. Full article at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1144312360224340.xml&coll=2
April 7, 200619 yr Third slots plan calls for payment of $30 million fee Friday, April 07, 2006 Tom Breckenridge Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland's power brokers are ready to float a third slots proposal they hope horse track owners and would-be casino developers will embrace - if they're willing to shell out $30 million each. Leaders of Greater Cleveland Partnership announced Thursday they will submit a slots plan that mimics one supported by most of the state's seven track owners, Forest City Enterprises Inc. and businessman Jeff Jacobs, with one whopping difference. The business leaders want each slots operator to pay a one-time $30 million fee for the right to conduct slots gambling in Ohio, with the money split between the host cities and counties for economic development. It would mean tens of millions of dollars to Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. "We want them to voluntarily abandon their plan and adopt ours," Frederick Nance, chairman of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, said during an interview at The Plain Dealer. In return, the "Learn and Earn" committee - composed of track owners, Jacobs, and Forest City - would get the support of every business leader and elected official that local power brokers can muster, Nance said. Learn and Earn backers "don't stand a chance without our help," Nance said. Learn and Earn spokesman David Hopcraft said the campaign was ready to move ahead without Cleveland's business and political leaders. More at http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer
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