Tagged: Casinos

The state says Ohio schools are getting nearly $38 million in the first chunk of casino-tax revenue.

This is the first distribution to schools since casinos opened last year. The money is distributed on a per-pupil basis twice per year to more than 1,000 school districts and charter schools across Ohio. It works out to $20.93 for each of the roughly 1.8 million students.

The breakdown was announced Tuesday but the Ohio Department of Taxation. Schools receive 34 percent of the revenue, with 51 percent going to county government.

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.

For this weeks PoliticsOhio, Emily McCord speaks to Rob Walgate, Vice President of Ohio Roundtable, the group that opposes video lottery terminals at the state's horse racetracks. Walgate says his group may consider an appeal.