Study: Casino Ballot Proposal Would Net Ohio 34,000 Jobs and $11 Billion

A new study conducted by the University of Cincinnati shows that more than 34,000 new Ohio jobs and $11 billion in economic impact would be generated in the first five years of operations if a ballot issue proposing authorizing casino's in the state's four largest cities would be approved by voters this November.

The study also projects the creation of 19,000 jobs during the initial investment and construction phase of development, which if passed would begin in 2010. It would also result in 15,000 new permanent jobs once the casinos begin operation, which would start in 2012.

The initial economic impact in the host communities would be as follows:
-- $656 million in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County;
-- $504 million in Columbus and Franklin County;
-- $388 million in Cincinnati and Hamilton County;
-- $302 million in Toledo and Lucas County.

$56 million in earnings, sales and property taxes would go directly to the state during the construction phase. Once the casinos begin operation, $35 million a year in earnings, sales and commercial activity tax would go to the state.

For Ohioans looking for jobs, the casions would offer many jobs that do not require advance skills, meaning they are accessible to the 40% of working-age Ohioans with no more than a high school diploma. The average earnings for casino workers is $33,000, which is consisted with industry standards.

The report was prepared by the University of Cincinnati's Economics Center for Education & Resarch in the university's College of Business for the Ohio Jobs & Growth Committee, a sponsor of the casino proposal.