In our most recent election, the people of Ohio spoke. In 2011, Cincinnati, along with Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo will be getting a casino. Past proposals for casinos have been turned down by conservative Ohio voters, but this one gave enough incentive to pass. There was plenty of advertising going both ways, but in the end, I believe the opportunity to funnel money into the economy drove people to say Yes on the issue.
There’s no question that the economy could use a jump start. A casino on Broadway Commons in Cincinnati will drive more people to want to stay downtown. And putting it right in the middle of the Reds and Bengals stadiums gives people something to do after the games. A lot of the money stays in the city, which I liked about it. Certainly, local businesses could use the money. And if we draw more people to the area, the Cincinnati home builders should stay busy. I’m for anything that will fuel the economy. I recognize all of the negatives that come with a casino, but I was pretty sick and tired of the neighboring states receiving money that could stay in Ohio. Why lose out on that revenue?
I’m not an avid gambler, but I’m sure I’ll go occasionally with my wife. Perhaps I’ll smoke a Puros Indios with a drink and enjoy some roulette. It’s not a fancy show or anything like that, but it’s a fun night of entertainment, especially when you can discipline yourself going in to a limit of money you are going to spend. It’s the people who have no business spending money on casinos that make me sad. But again, why should they give the money to Indiana? Though morally torn by the vote, I’m glad to see Ohio take this step.