Casino Backers: We Will Try Again

Brad Pressman and Rick Lertzman of MyOhioNow had proposed a $600 million casino and hotel development near Wilmington.

They saw their plan go down to defeat on election night by 1,332,623 votes.

Still, Pressman and Lertzman remain optimistic that some kind of gambling plan can be passed in the future.

In a written statement issued Thursday, they said they will go back to the drawing board and work on a new proposal to include additional sites.

The possible locations include Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Youngstown.

“We know there is a large base that supports the idea of a casino in Ohio which remains strong,” Lertzman and Pressman said in a joint statement.

The two said they are talking with unnamed investors statewide. They continue to maintain an interest in a casino in Clinton County.

When the next ballot issue would go before voters remains uncertain.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com