Ohio’s gambling industry contributes USD 3B to state economy

The state’s gambling industry also supported more than 17,600 jobs and generated more than $917 million in taxes, according to the American Gaming Association.

The Washington, D.C.-based lobbying group released the study, done by Oxford Economics, on Tuesday at the Hollywood Casino in Columbus.

The release is part of the group’s “Gaming Votes” initiative designed to provide a positive message about commercial gambling in the presidential campaign.

“Gaming in no longer a niche, novel industry but an economic driver in Ohio that is providing a path to the middle class in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and beyond. We encourage presidential candidates to get to know the gaming industry as they seek votes from thousands of Ohioans whose jobs depend on casinos,” said Geoff Freeman, president and chief executive officer of the association.

The study says the gambling industry had a direct economic impact of $1.7 billion on the state economy, with the remainder being indirect and induced. The industry also has 9,524 jobs directly tied to casinos and racinos.

“It’s definitely been an economic driver,” said Alan Silver, an assistant professor at Ohio University and former casino executive who watches the industry. “Gaming like any other industry, being taxed at this enormous high rate, is an added benefit [for the state].”

Ohio has four casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo; and seven racinos, including the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in Northfield.