Ohio approves casinos

With 99% of precincts reporting unofficial results, a referendum to legalize casinos in Ohio passed with 53% of the vote Tuesday.

The amendment paves the way for casino plans in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

An economic impact study predicted nearly 40,000 temporary and permanent jobs and $4 billion in economic impact.

Steuben County, Indiana leaders are pushing their own casino referendum. Leaders met with a gaming study committee in Indianapolis late October. They want to expand on current lake tourism.

If slot machines pop up across the border, Angola Mayor Richard Hickman (D) says a possible casino in Steuben County would still be successful. But, he adds, there is still a long fight ahead before the area gets one.

"We still have a lot of a lot of things to overcome," said Hickman. "Number one, the legislature has to approve a casino moving. Number two, (the legislature has to) approve Steuben County having a referendum. And, of course, the referendum passing. So there's a lot of hurdles yet for this community to overcome to get a casino here."

The gaming committee is working on a report in which it will lay out its recommendations on gaming in Indiana. That report will be turned over to the state legislature when it's back in session in January.