Marijuana Policy Project

A new poll shows a majority of Ohioans supports legalizing casino gambling in the state – but backers of a new casino initiative shouldn’t take that as a hint of victory if a proposed amendment goes before voters in the fall.

The Ohio Poll from the University of Cincinnati’s Institute for Policy Research found that 60 percent of 818 adults surveyed from April 16-27 back making casino-style gambling legal in Ohio, while 38 percent oppose. The poll also found that 58 percent of Ohio adults say they would approve of a casino operating in the large city near where they live. That’s up from 54 percent a decade ago.

Those results square up with past Ohio Poll surveys, officials said, despite the fact that gambling-related initiatives have been soundly defeated at the hands of voters four times in the past decade.

“As a result, the current Ohio Poll should not be considered to be a definitive reflection on the passage or failure of any future specific gambling-related ballot issues,” pollsters wrote.

Voters could have a chance in November to approve an amendment that would clear the way for casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and on the western edge of the Arena District in Columbus. Wyomissing, Pa.-based Penn National Gaming Inc. (NASDAQ:PENN) and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert would be investors in the $1 billion project.

The Ohio Poll gauged voters’ opinions on a number of other issues, including:

• Gay marriage – Only 39 percent of those surveyed back legalizing marriage between same-sex couples in the state, while 57 percent oppose. The poll did not address respondents’ views of civil unions for same-sex couples.

• Medical marijuana – 73 percent of those surveyed favor allowing doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana for medical purposes.