Among the issues that will appear on Ohio’s initiative ballot this November, Issue 6 is causing a controversy. Issue 6 calls for a $ 600 billion casino resort to be legally opened for business in Ohio. The Constitution of Ohio does not allow gambling in casinos throughout the state, causing Ohio natives to take their gambling out of state. Currently, Issue 6 is still waiting for certification to appear on the ballot, but all of the signatures have been obtained and approved.

Those in favor of the issue are promising up to 5,000 new job opportunities, a sharing of the wealth in the revenue and the gas savings by not having to travel out of the state. A primary figure in favor of the issue is Lyle Berman, who owns casinos in Minnesota and is a professional poker player. Berman plans to open a casino with a promised 30% tax rate given back to the counties. However, an Eastern Shawnee tribe in Oklahoma is also attempting to open a casino in Ohio and their tax rate would be zero. If both casinos were legalized, Berman’s “trap door” would then lower his tax rate to zero as well to compete with the other casino. Thus, the promised revenue for all of Ohio’s counties would be erased.

However, the possible revenue is an appealing thought for Ohio voters. Hoban senior Chris Sarkis sees the casino as a new alternative to increase needed taxes for counties.

“People are going to gamble anyways. Maybe it would be smart for Ohio to let those gamblers stay in their home state,” Sarkis said.

The opponents have reasoning in numbers. The numbers aren’t very favorable for the initiative. It is estimated that $ 1 billion is spent by gamblers who live in Ohio. Even if every single Ohio gambler stayed home and gambled in their home state, the 30 % of the maximum revenue is only $ 300 million. Divided up between the 88 counties, the revenue that each county actually receives would be a minimal amount of money to pay for the annual budget for that county. History teacher Rob Yanko does not support the issue and believes that the majority of people do not benefit from gambling.

“A casino in Ohio? That seems like a waste of money for the ‘average Joe,’” Yanko said.

Undecided voters of Issue 6 are being targeted by highly persuasive commercials on many major television stations. Both sides of the Issue are representing themselves on TV and online. Both parties have valid arguments, making Issue 6 a debatable initiative for Ohio voters this November.