Gambling issue falling short of backing in Ohio
The Ohio focus group campaigning behind a gambling initiative have only 10 days left to make up the 8,716 signatures required to get the issue on the Nov ballot.
Learn and Earn, a fledgling pro gambling faction have promised petition signees a program that would provide college scholarships to qualified students with the proceeds from the expanded gambling options contained in the initiative. Georgia’s Hope Scholarships have served as a scale model for the group’s plan that would allow students the opportunity to spend the earmarked money on tuition at both private and public colleges in Ohio.
Though prospects appear bleak at the moment with Assistant Secretary of State Monty Lobb certifying only 314,183 signatures, David Zanotti, who represents opponents of the issue, is certain that it will pass with the powerful backing of racetrack owners and casino developers. Although his campaign will be picking up steam over the next week, Zanotti the president of the Ohio Roundtable, says the issue will come down to money. “They’ve got an extra $100,000 to burn, so they’ll make it up in a day or two,â€? says Zanotti.
The Learn and Earn campaign, if successful, would see slot machines operating in the State’s seven racetracks and two freestanding sites in downtown Cleveland.
- Danny Davis