Issue 3 opponent: State lawmakers ready to tackle gambling

CLEVELAND -- The man who is one of the main brains and handles the biggest bankroll fighting Issue 3 predicts state lawmakers will produce a better gaming deal for Ohio if the measure loses.

Jeff Jacobs is the developer of the Flats West Bank. He is also the chairman of MTR gaming. The company has casinos in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and owns Scioto Downs Racetrack in Ohio.

Is there a feud between Jacobs and Dan Gilbert, the Cleveland Cavaliers owner who is pushing to own two casinos, including one in Cleveland?

Jacobs had some contact with Gilbert and Penn National when Issue 3 was being designed.

"I've only met the gentleman once. He seems like a fine fellow," Jacobs said.

Jacobs claims he withdrew from discussions because the plan was going to exclude gambling at racetracks and other issues weren't working out.

Jacobs believes state lawmakers are finally willing to tackle the gaming question if Issue 3 is defeated.

"You don't go to the used car lot and buy the first car the salesman shows you. What I'm saying is, next year, lawmakers will put something on the ballot better for the people of Ohio," Jacobs said.

He believes that plan would include requiring operators to give preferences to Ohioans for jobs.

Jacobs says Issue 3's $50 million license fee and 33 percent tax rate are too low and much less than the state could set or get through open-fee bidding. 

He compared Gilbert's casino plan to "hamburger" and called his proposal to combine a flagship hotel and casino near the medical mart and convention center "steak."

Jacobs introduced the plan months ago. But it's had little, if any, official recognition or support.

Jacobs claims a casino alone would not provide more visitors and dollars to Cleveland.

Jacobs was part of the failed "Learn and Earn" casino campaign. He now believes voters will not approve any plan that gives specific developers specific rights at specific sites.

Jacobs says he is not obsessed with being the man who brings casino gambling to Cleveland. "To own it, no. To see it done right, yes," he said. 

He says gaming companies will not invest in any attempt by Governor Ted Strickland to bring slots to racetracks without the people's vote mandated by the Ohio Supreme Court.

He admits a Cleveland casino would take business from MTR's Moutaineer Casino, but claims that's not the main reason for his opposition.

Jacobs thinks any gambling plan should contain some benefit for dying race tracks and the 10,000 jobs they represent. "I'm their patron saint," he said.

So far, Issue 3 proponents have raised almost $32 million.

Issue 3 opponents have raised almost $6 million. Jacobs says MTR is "just about all in" in money it will invest.

He predicts campaign spending will reach a record $50 million.

Many hoped to see Jacobs debate Dan Gilbert at Monday's Issue 3 discussion. Jacobs said he deferred to Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams as being better spoken and said "I'm not on the ballot."

Asked if he would debate Gilbert on a Nov. 1 edition of Between the Lines, Jacobs said, "I'll think about it."

Jacobs spends most of the year and votes in Florida.