The background checks are just one of several procedures that must be performed before any casino can open. The Cleveland casino is further along with their background checks, so they have begun the next process. The slot machines must be tested. The process begins with each casino selecting the machines. ... Read More

Because required background checks on gaming operators and vendors are behind schedule, the openings of casinos in Cleveland and Toledo will be delayed at least eight weeks. The Cleveland casino was scheduled to open March 26 and the Toledo casino April 2. But these were dates set by the casinos ... Read More

The Cleveland casino was expected to open March 2012 and the Toledo casino was expected to open April 2012. Those dates may have to be pushed back. The problem is the required background checks. With the Cleveland casino, the process was delayed when Rock Ohio Caesars contended that employees of casino vendors ... Read More

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has been selected by the Ohio Casino Control Commission to police casinos in Cleveland and Toledo, which are set to open next year. A decision for the casinos in Columbus and Cincinnati will come later. Cost for the first year will be $5.1 million.

Casino developers have awarded over $82 million in construction contracts. Thirty-five percent of those contracts have been awarded to minority- or women-owned companies.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the State Highway Patrol have both bid to be the security for the casinos. BCI bid was $5.1 million and the State Highway Patrol $4.6 million. Whoever gets the bid will deal with all crimes committed within the casinos.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has appointed their first executive director. Matt Schuler, chief of staff for Senate President Tom Niehaus, was appointed to the position last week. Schuler did not apply for the position. The Commission was unable to attract experienced casino regulators from other states so they redirected ... Read More

As expected, Franklin County commissioners approved the annexation of Penn National’s casino site to the city of Columbus. All that remains for the annexation to become official is a final vote by Columbus City Council. By law, that can’t occur for at least 60 days. A vote is expected in ... Read More

As expected, Penn National Gaming applied for annexation of its Columbus casino to the city. In its last meeting before a 30 day summer recess, City Council certified that the city is capable of providing water and sewer service to the casino site.  The Franklin County commissioners will next vote on ... Read More