Casino At Top of Issues List - 11/4/2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Proponents of a plan to bring more gambling to Ohio are betting that voters will be on their side.

The vote Tuesday on whether the state constitution should be amended to allow a $600 million casino resort in southwest Ohio near Wilmington is one of five statewide issues on the ballot.

Ohio voters have turned down an expansion of statewide gambling three times since 1990.

Backers say the project will create up to 5,000 jobs and generate money for Ohio counties. Opponents say counties could receive less money - maybe even nothing.

Also on the ballot is the state's new payday lending law that cuts the maximum interest rate that lenders can charge to 28 percent. Opponents say it will force the payday lending business to shut down in Ohio.