Vote No Casino Voices its Opinion in Ohio
Vote No Casinos is a group opposing a new casino to be built by Penn National. The casino is scheduled by Penn, owner of Argosy Casino, and the proposed development will include a 22,000 square foot casino. The casino itself will have 5,000 slot machines and 100 gaming tables. A hotel with 1,500 rooms will form part of the development. The total price tag of the casino resort is estimated around $600 million. The casino will be just off the Interstate 71 at Route 73. Penn National Gaming, owner of the Argosy Casino in Indiana are opposed to the new casino and has filed a protest which was rejected by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. Penn National Gaming claims that the developers have not properly filed their paperwork. They are also running a television and radio campaign for Ohio voters to reject the new casino development. They are cautioning the voters about all the ramifications of bringing gambling to the area.
When it comes to Vote No Casinos, this is a group that is voicing its strong opinion against the casino. The organization is run by the Ohio Roundtable and does not want to be associated with Penn National Gaming. It is decrying its construction and noting how bringing a casino resort to the area is a high price to pay for the community and surrounding areas. Commercials against the casino are claiming that due to certain loopholes tax money from the casino may not be as much as is currently foreseen. Rick Lertzman, co-owner of MyOhioNow.com denies this, he says that the casino would distribute some 30% of their profits to all 88 counties in Ohio which would amount to roughly $240 million. Lertzman also said that Penn National is afraid that the new casino would take some of their business. The new casino will be 40 miles away from the Argosy Casino and he says that it will attract Ohioans who currently cross the border to Indiana to gamble. Eric Schippers of Penn National says that a yes vote will give MyOhioNow.com a casino monopoly. It will take time for the issue to be settled but it seems like the Ohio voters are the ones that will make the final decision.
