Ohio Gov. Expresses Concern For Racing Industry

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's governor and members of the horse racing industry are concerned that casinos recently approved for four cities by Ohio voters could hurt the state's struggling racing industry.

Tracks in the state already have seen customers siphoned away by neighboring states' casinos and tracks that have slots or casino gambling. Last week, voters approved casinos for Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, all home to racetracks.

"The horse racing industry was already facing very, very difficult challenges," Gov. Ted Strickland said. "And I'm very concerned because a lot of people are employed in the racing industry, and I think that this is going to present a very serious challenge to the industry."

About 12,000 people work in Ohio's racing industry.

Earlier this year, Strickland planned to put 17,500 slot machines at the state's seven tracks to help bolster the horse racing industry and the state budget. But the Ohio Supreme Court sidelined the governor's plan when it said opponents can try to put the measure to a popular vote.