Ohio's governor and members of the horse racing industry are concerned that voters' recent approval of casinos in four cities will hurt the state's already struggling racetracks, which employ about 12,000.
Gov. Ted Strickland earlier this year planned to put 17,500 slot machines at the state's seven tracks in an attempt to bolster the industry and the state budget. The Ohio Supreme Court sidetracked that plan when it ruled that voters should have the opportunity to approve of the lottery-run slot machines at tracks.
Last week, voters approved a separate gambling plan to allow casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.
Strickland said he is concerned about the racing industry in Ohio and thinks casinos will pose another challenge.
