CINCINNATI -- It's been just a week since Ohio voters approved casinos for Cincinnati and the state's other big cities, and already, developers for the Broadway Commons casino are preparing to talk about their plans.
We could learn from casino developers Dan Gilbert and Matt Cullen on Tuesday how many people they anticipate hiring, along with a timetable for groundbreaking and construction, of what's expected to be a $250 million facility.
Right after the Ohio Casino Amendment passed, there was talk that groundbreaking for the Broadway Commons casino and others in Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo could start as early as next spring.
There is concern that downtown casinos could hurt Ohio's seven racetracks, including River Downs, which were looking forward to getting slot machines run by the Ohio Lottery. But that plan was put on hold when the Ohio Supreme Court ordered the proposal go to voters first.
If revenues at Indiana's riverboat casinos are an indication, now could be a good time to open casinos. On average, the Indiana casinos are reporting a 4 percent increase in their revenues from a year ago.
There are other hurdles for Ohio's new casinos. In addition to Governor Ted Strickland having to name members to a new casino gambling control board, the state legislature must come up with enabling legislation for the casinos within six months.
Some lawmakers have also talked about changing state law or coming up with another gambling amendment that would boost the 33 percent in gambling proceeds the casinos are mandated to turn over to the state.
The news conference is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
