Casinos a big issue for Ohio, Indiana

It may be an off election year, but an issue in Ohio could dramatically impact Indiana. On Tuesday, November 3, residents in the Buckeye state will head to the polls on vote on a handful of issues.

One of the biggest is Issue 3. If approved, it would legalize casino gambling in Ohio. It’s the fifth gambling issue on the ballot in Ohio in 20 years time.

Four cities would be licensed to build a casino: Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

People in Defiance were already talking about the outcome on election eve Monday. Toledo is an hour away, and opinions are split in these final hours before voting begins

“I don’t want it,” said one resident.

“I don’t like to see our money going out of state. If you’re going to be gambling and going out of state to Pennsylvania or Virginia or other places to gamble, lets keep it here,” exclaimed another.

“I’m not for it. I don’t like the riff raff that goes along with it a casino,” said another resident.

Both sides have spent a lot of time -- and money -- lobbying voters. Those for say casinos would create hundreds of jobs for the Buckeye state, not to mention $650 million in tax revenue that would help education and offset an even larger state deficit.

But the news wouldn't be good for Indiana; a state-issued report projects that Indiana casinos could lose as much as $103 million if casinos open in Ohio. So while one state could win big, another could lose; meaning both states will keep a close tab on Tuesday’s election results.