Attorney General Jim Petro rejected a trio of proposed constitutional amendments yesterday that would bring slot machines to Ohio. He is already a huge opponent of gambling, but some feel that this move is probably just a stall tactic more than anything. Supporters feel that this is not a big deal, that they will address any concerns over the slot machine language that Petro has, and will correct it in plenty of time to still make it on the November 7^th ballot. 

Petro had the same issue with all three proposals, and his approval must be gained before the supporters can move forward with gaining their signatures – the 3900 signatures needed to get the slot machines on the ballot. Petro’s concerns stemmed from the fact that he felt the language did not convey the idea that the slot machines would be operating up to 24 hours a day. "This provision overrides the home rule and other regulatory authority of local officials to control the operations of businesses located within their jurisdictions," he wrote. "I believe that for this summary to be fair and truthful, and truly advise any signatory of what he or she is signing, it must advise such individuals of the significant erosion of local authority to regulate the operations."  

There are currently three initiatives that Petro has issue with:

v      Education Yes, backed by Penn national Gaming, Inc. – owner of Toledo’s Raceway Park. They are asking for slot machines at racetracks only, 5,000 slots per track

v      Learn and Earn, backed by various gambling interests, requesting 3,000 slot machines at each of 10 slots parlors

v      Separate plan similar to Learn and Earn that would require the slot machine “casinos” to pay $30 million to each host community

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