Updated: 10/21/2009 9:50:08 AM Posted: 10/20/2009 5:03:24 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter says Issue 3, a November ballot proposal to build casinos, is bad for the state.
Schlichter, who played for the Buckeyes between 1978 and 1981 and whose career in the NFL was derailed by a gambling addiction, said Tuesday he wants Ohioans to consider how the state will handle an increase in crime and addictions if the casinos are built.
If approved, Issue 3 would allow casinos to be built in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.
Schlichter, who spent 10 years in prison for gambling-related crimes, said it's probably inevitable that Ohio will someday have gambling.
But he believes the current proposal would enrich a few at the expense of the state.
Backers of the ballot issue say the casinos will bring jobs in a state where the economy is struggling.
© 2010 The Associated Press
