Ohio Casino Bill Brings Questions of Church Gambling

Ohio churches hate the idea of losing their right to host casino gambling even more than allowing others to have that right.

The casino bill headed for the fall ballot in Ohio faces a new challenge. The measure, which would license four casinos in the state, also forbids casino gambling elsewhere, which is causing the church groups who have opposed the bill all along to scream that passing the bill will end charitable gaming in Ohio.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, both Governor Ted Strickland and Attorney General Richard Cordray believe the language used for the casino bill would inadvertently make any casino-style gaming conducted by non-profits illegal.

"If the amendment passes, we believe that a court might find that those charitable games of chance that are currently legal might be determined to be illegal," said Ted Hart, a spokesman for the attorney general.

But attorney Donald McTigue, representing the Ohio Jobs and Growth group that led the casino initiative, thinks otherwise.

"It has zero effect on any gambling that is currently allowed in Ohio," McTigue said.

The measure specifically exempts bingo and horse racing from the prohibition, but does not mention roulette, craps, and blackjack, games frequently used at "casino night" events by churches and charities.

Church groups have been violently in opposition to casino gambling as an immoral activity that harms families and decays character. They are even more incensed that they might lose their rights to use casino gambling for their own purposes. One observer wondered if this means prostitution nights will soon be featured at fundraisers for Ohio churches.