Ohio Constitution:  Article XV, Section 6 (C)

Ohio’s entrance into the world of casino gaming was somewhat unique with the approval of a constitutional amendment proposed by initiative petition backed by the parties that would become the owners/operators of four Ohio casinos. The amendment was approved by 52 percent of voters in November 2009. It authorized casino gaming at facilities located at specific locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo and required the properties to be operated by licensed casino operators.In addition to customary fees and taxes imposed on Ohio businesses, the amendment levied a 33 percent tax on gross casino revenue and specified how proceeds of the tax are distributed.

The constitutional amendment also required each licensed casino operator to pay an upfront license fee of $50 million per casino and to make an initial investment of $250 million for the development of each casino facility.The amendment also created the Ohio Casino Control Commission to license and regulate casino operators, management companies,key employees, casino gaming employees and gaming-related vendors. The Commission is comprised of seven members who are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Commission has enforcement powers and may inspect the accounts and records of, or examine under oath, any person subject to the Commission’s regulation.