Online casinos and poker

As reported by The Columbus Dispatch: “Proponents of expanded online gambling in Ohio hammered home arguments yesterday that internet casinos would create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue at a time the state’s economy desperately needs relief.

“Opponents, however, said a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot would impoverish people who become addicted to online gambling, drain profits from existing businesses and shortchange local governments by levying a too-low tax rate.

“The sides faced off yesterday for the first time in a public debate over state Issue 3, which would allow casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. The forum was sponsored by the Columbus Metropolitan Club.

“The ‘yes’ side in the debate, represented by former Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken and Ohio Fraternal Order of Police Secretary/Treasurer Mark Drum, acknowledged moral opposition to gambling but said Ohioans already spend as much as $1 billion wagering in other states. The two also reiterated claims that Issue 3 would create as many as 34,000 jobs building and running the four casinos, as well as other jobs connected to the casinos.

“The ‘no’ side, represented by the Rev. John Edgar of the United Methodist Church and Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady, said casinos breed crime, divert money from established businesses and prey on vulnerable people. They said claims of new jobs shouldn’t be trusted unless casino proponents also reveal how many jobs would be lost as gamblers have less money to spend outside casinos…”