Ohio Says Penn National Playing Dirty Pool Casino Games

Penn National Gaming was accused by Ohio state lawyers of funding a lawsuit to block slots at race tracks so as to shut out competition for a potential Penn casino.

Attorneys representing the state of Ohio alleged a lawsuit to block the introduction of slots to race tracks is being funded by casino operator Penn National Gaming. Penn National is supporting another Ohio initiative that would license four stand-alone casinos around the state, and would be in competition with the track slots if both measures advanced.

Penn officials deny the accusations, and point out that they own and operate one of the race tracks in question.

“Penn National fully supports the authorization of video lottery terminals at Raceway Park in Toledo,” said a written statement released by Penn National after national new organizations reported the courtroom claim. The statement went on to label the allegations as libel.

Penn has been known to disingenuously represent its interests in Ohio. Last year, when a plan was proposed for a single casino which would not have involved Penn as an operator, the gaming company contributed heavily to defeat the issue. This year, with Penn in line to receive at least one of the four licenses if the casino measure passes, Penn funding goes to the pro-gambling Ohio Jobs and Growth organization.

Spokesman Carlo Loparo of Let Ohio Vote, the group pursuing the lawsuit, says it doesn't matter who is paying the legal bills, and that the constitutional question should be the priority.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray asked the state Supreme Court to compel the plaintiffs to reveal their financing, but was rebuffed.