After four failed attempts over 20 years Ohio voters have fi nally approved a statewide referendum allowing casino gambling in one of the nation's most populous states. But as casino operators prepare plans to bring gambling to the state's four largest cities--Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo--potential court challenges, legislative tinkering and competitive pressures are looming.
Experts say the situation in Ohio is following a familiar pattern when gambling is approved in a state.
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Battles over revenue splits, tax rates and legalities are typically fought out in courtrooms and statehouses, says Dennis Forst, a gaming analyst and managing director of the research department at KeyBanc Capital Markets in Los Angeles.
"It always happens. You're going to see legal roadblocks thrown up from Columbus to Cleveland. There's no way to predict what will happen. But the voters have spoken. And that's a pretty powerful statement."
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For now, casino developers are moving forward following the November 4 election, when voters approved a statewide gaming referendum by a vote of 53 percent to 47 percent.
The casinos in Columbus and Toledo will be operated by Pennsylvania-based Penn National Gaming, which also operates the Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Ind., which draws much of its business from the Cincinnati area. Casinos …
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