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Casinos In Ohio Could Impact Pa. & W. Va.

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Nov 4, 2009 12:56 pm US/Eastern

Casinos In Ohio Could Impact Pa. & W. Va.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― The vote to legalize casinos in Ohio could have a major impact on both Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

In the wake of the Ohio vote, giving casinos including table games the go ahead, Pennsylvania gambling houses now have even more challengers for their customers' money.

But new jobs was one of the big selling points for the voters' referendum on gambling in Ohio, called Issue 3. It passed Tuesday.

The proposal calls for full service casinos in Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati and Columbus.

West Virginia already has full service casinos up and operating, and the Pennsylvania gambling industry is now saying that it is time for Harrisburg to show its cards when it comes to table games.

"We definitely were the only game in town for a while and now The Rivers has come on line we have competition," said Jamie John, of the Meadows Casino.

Meanwhile, the start at the Rivers Casino has been slower than expected.

"Our start was slower than anticipated, but because of the marketing in place and familiarity with the people coming to here we're increasing ever single day," said George Matta, Rivers Casino spokesperson.

Now, the big hope is bringing table games to Pennsylvania. It has passed in Harrisburg and Gov. Ed Rendell wants legislators to speed up on getting it in bill form.

"I think we're looking forward to table games," said John, "and if table games do come in, we're excited to bring a new demographic and new gamer here in Pennsylvania."

Matta says worries and challenges from Ohio may not be as big as one thinks because Ohio is at least three years away from opening up any casinos.

Pennsylvania could have table games possibly as early as next year.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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