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TOLEDO -- Ohio gambling supporters kicked off an advertising campaign Friday. They're trying to get slot machines into Ohio's seven horse racetracks, including Raceway Park. The Ohio Learn and Earn Committee, which represents Ohio's racetracks, needs to gather 323,000 certified signatures for the issue to make it onto the November ballot. So far, they say they have more than a 150,000.
"It's not even close," said Ken Gozdowski. "Before there used to be a lot more people here."
Gozdowski says he's been coming to Raceway Park for 35 years, and he has seen a steady decline in business since the casinos in Detroit opened in 1999. The track has numbers to back up that opinion. They say in 1998, $52 million was wagered here, but last year only $36 million exchanged hands.
"We think the mindset has changed considerably," said Mike White, Raceway Park General Manager. "I think people realize there is no bogey man involved in gambling."
White says he thinks this new plan -- which includes benefits for college funding, local governments, and addicted gamblers -- is much better than what they've tried in the past.
The new billboards don't mention slots machines. Some people believe they are deceptive. Instead they focus on a plan to give Ohio high school graduates $900 million a year for tuition at state universities.
"I challenge anyone to name another business that takes 45% of its revenue and gives it away," said White.
Opponents believe all types of gambling is bad for society. Folks here like Richard Strouse believe they should have the choice. "If you don't want to do it, then don't do it," said Strouse.
The committee says they've collected 50,000 signatures in the past week. Some Ohio residents say the people trying to get those signatures are also being deceptive. They have until early August to collect the signatures. |
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