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Press Release:
Governor Signs Casino Implementation Legislation, Other Bills
Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed House Bill 519, the implementing language for the casino constitutional amendment that won voter approval last November.
House Bill 519
State Representatives Kenny Yuko and Todd Book sponsored House Bill 519, which creates the Ohio Casino Control Commission and establishes casino gaming laws under the recently-passed amendment to the Ohio Constitution.
The governor released the following statement on the legislation:
“This legislation establishes a regulatory structure to protect the interests of Ohioans and make sure that casinos are operated with high levels of integrity, while maintaining local control and decision-making authority. I believe it will facilitate the creation of Ohio jobs and economic opportunity in our communities. As we implement the provisions in this bill, ensuring the inclusion of minority businesses and workers must be a priority if Ohio is to take full advantage of the economic benefits of this new industry.
“However, I am disappointed that this bill also creates a new income tax deduction for gambling losses on bets placed at casinos, horse races, bingo halls and other forums, both in state and out of state. This new tax deduction represents a policy shift for the state of Ohio, which has never before used its income tax laws to subsidize losses incurred from gambling. The Ohio Department of Taxation estimates that this tax deduction will reduce the state budget by $60 million to $80 million per budget cycle starting in fiscal year 2014.
“At a time of economic challenge, it is deeply irresponsible to deprive our state of needed resources that could be used to help meet the many needs which exist within our communities. I question the judgment of those who promoted this special interest legislation. If I had the authority to exercise a line-item veto on this provision of the bill, I would have. I will be working diligently to reverse this fiscally irresponsible and misguided decision in budget discussions next year. Subsidizing gambling losses is not a wise use of our taxpayer’s limited resources.â€Â
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