Ohio Voters Demand Casino Gambling in Poll
During the weeks of debate among Ohio officials regarding whether to implement either or both expanded gambling proposals, opponents have focused on the voter rejections of casinos in the past. But a new university poll says state voters have changed their minds, and now support both gambling proposals by landslide margins.
According to a Quinnipiac University poll published today, those in favor of Governor Ted Strickland's plan to place slots at race tracks outnumber those against by a 65-to-31 difference. And those behind the measure by Ohio Growth and Jobs to license four casinos in Ohio were almost as numerous, ahead by a 60-to-36 margin.
However, even more resounding was the statement by voters that they would like the final word on gambling, rather than entrust that decision to the governor or legislature. The poll said 84 percent felt this way, while only 14 percent wanted officials to judge.
"The voters of Ohio clearly prefer expanded gambling to raising taxes or cutting essential services," says OCA gaming analyst Sherman Bradley. "And local politicians may well be judged by how efficiently they serve this goal, as the governor's rating shows."
Bradley is referring to a section of the poll showing an 11 point drop in Strickland's rating by residents since May. While Strickland has championed gambling, he has been unable to politically organize the state and get the deals passed.
