On Tuesday, November 3, fifty-three per cent of voters in Ohio showed support for gaming expansion in the state by giving their approval for the erection of four casinos

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According to a report by courier-journal.com, the University of Cincinnati jobs study has predicted 39,251 jobs and $4 billion in overall economic impact from the four casino sites (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo). The social costs of expanded gambling were not considered.

In addition to thousands of new jobs, the article states that the result of the gaming expansion would see $18 million funneled to the Ohio horse racing industry.

Bob Elliston, president of Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky, stated in the courier-journal.com article that he wouldn't be surprised if the passage of the referendum occurred. “I think public opinion has shifted in Ohio like it has in Kentucky,” he said.

Elliston went on to comment on the future of the Kentucky horse racing industry without gaming expansion and ultimate support. “It’s difficult to foresee a future for the horse racing industry in Kentucky beyond a couple years if they fail to give us the ability to compete with other states,” he said.

Click here to the read the courier-journal.com article in its entirety.

(With files from courier-journal.com)