Race Tracks Hoping for Slot Machines

February 4, 2010 by Nicole Joy

 
On November 3, 2009, the vote in Ohio was “Yes” to Issue 3. This day would change race tracks in Ohio for the time being.
The effect the casinos are going to have on race tracks in the words of Jim Koehler who is an owner of horses that race in Ohio is, “Basically it's going to kill out race tracks.” 
 As many as 46,000 jobs are expected to be lost and the cost to transport horses to other states will increase significantly.
“Casinos draw people away from race tracks.” said Sis Wallace, wife of Brad Wallace, who is the manager of Hickory Lanes Farm, in Findlay, Ohio and one of the Directors of the Breeder section of the Ohio Harness Horsemen Association.
As of today there is a measure that is trying to be put on the ballot on November 2, 2010. Letohiovote.org is working towards getting 241,366 signatures from all over the state of Ohio to allow this measure to be put on the ballot in November.
 If this makes it on the ballot then this will give the people a chance to vote and the race tracks a better chance of holding on.
The only way for race tracks to stay afloat is to bring in the slot machines that the race tracks have been waiting for. “Hopefully they will put in the slot machines.” said Brad Wallace.
Now while the owners such as Jim Koehler and the men like Brad Wallace who work behind the scenes, wait for this to be put on the ballot they are doing all that they can to keep their farms running and horses racing.