The 2009 election results are in, and Issue 3 passed with a margin of 53% to 47%. Issue 3 triumphed where four other issues proposing expanded gaming in Ohio have failed on ballot initiatives in the past 20 years. Passage of the issue is likely due to the tough economic times that Ohio citizens are facing.

Issue 3 will create four casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. Gaming proponents expect the passage of Issue 3 to create 34,000 jobs and prevent Ohio residents from taking their lucrative gambling to the neighboring states, each of which allows some form of casino gaming. A link to the full text of the constitutional amendment can be found here.

The success of Issue 3 at the polls has not decreased Issue 3’s controversy. Naysayers have objected to the monopoly that Issue 3 grants to the casino developers, as well as to the 33% tax rate and the possibility that Ohio will not reap all the economic gains promised by gaming proponents. The Ohio Legislature is considering placing a second constitutional amendment ballot initiative on the May 2010 ballot. Such an initiative would have the power to repeal or change Issue 3 before the casinos are operative. Suggested changes to sweeten Issue 3’s reception are the auctioning of the casino licenses to the highest bidder instead of to the drafters of Issue 3; the imposition of a higher tax rate on the casino’s gross income; or the establishment of a local option whereby residents of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo could veto the casino in their respective city.