Unrelated to the ongoing battle between Penn National and the city of Columbus, the Kasich administration dealt a financial blow to the casino developers. An amendment to the state transportation budget prohibits the use of state assistance to casinos or any other gambling venue, such as racetracks. This will prevent Penn National from receiving $2.5 million from the State that was to be used to assist in the cleanup of the casino site.

The budget did, however, correct an earlier oversight and earmarked $5.5 million for the Ohio Casino Control Commission. An executive director is expected to be named in the next couple months.