Cleveland casino targets early 2012 opening

CLEVELAND -- Dan Gilbert's plan for a deluxe casino in Cleveland is about to go from a rendering to a reality.

The passage of State Issue 3 clears the way for casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo that promise thousands of jobs and millions of tax dollars.

Gilbert said, "Democracy is a great thing. We're going to deliver something very special."

Tim Wilmott, the President of Penn National, the gaming company partnered with Gilbert, said, "We look forward to building four, world-class casinos in the state of Ohio."

Voting yes for casinos was Cardell Parker, of South Euclid. He said, "I'm excited about it. We should have more entertainment in the city of Cleveland."

Kent Hedman, of Bratenahl, who voted 'no' said, "Voters said they want it. Obviously they do. I hope it does what they say."

Ohioans who now gamble and spend money in Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia and Pennsylvania casinos will soon be able to stay home.

Ohio has six months to set rules and regulations for gambling.

Some lawmakers who opposed Issue 3 vow to put another issue on next May's ballot to hike casino license fees and tax rates and toughen background checks.

Gilbert is exploring the possibility of opening a temporary casino, a possibility allowed by the measure voters passed.

He envisions work starting in fall of 2010, with a possible opening in early 2012.

Business groups backed the casino plan.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership's Joe Roman says the casino construction will join with building the Medical Mart and Flats East Bank projects to create a downtown building boom.

And he says casino revenues will boost a newly-restructured, reformed Cuyahoga County government approved by voters.

"We overuse the phrase 'game changer.' But this is one because it really does orient this county on a growth plan with new revenues to get there, " he said.

U.S. Sen. George Voinovich was a staunch opponent of Issue 3 and four previous gambling proposals.

He's "disappointed" in the voters' decision. He predicts the measure will create great harm in Ohio, especially in poverty-stricken neighborhoods of Cleveland.

He vows to be a "conscience," to make sure casino developers deliver what they promised.