Ohio's third casino is scheduled to open by early October in Columbus.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission on Wednesday decided the Hollywood Casino Columbus should open by Oct. 8, as long as it meets necessary requirements.
Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler says that includes the installation of about 3,000 slot machines and 70 table games and the licensing of employees and the casino itself.
A spokesman for developer Penn National Gaming says about 900 of the 2,000 employees have been hired.
Ohio's first two casinos opened earlier this year in Cleveland and Toledo. Gamblers bet more than $417 million during those casinos' first full month in business, and operators paid out more than $371 in winnings.
A fourth casino in Cincinnati is expected to open next year.