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Casino Developer Outlines Plans

January 21, 2010

Penn National Gaming Inc. will work on casino plans at both the Arena District and former Delphi plant until they know whether voters will support their request to change locations, officials said today.

Company officials want lawmakers to place a constitutional amendment on the May ballot that moves the Columbus project to the 123 acres near W. Broad Street and I-270 that the company has an option to purchase. The measure approved by Ohio voters in November specified an Arena District site.

Speaking at the Columbus Metropolitan Club today, company officials said that their goal is to begin building a Columbus casino late next year so they will be working on plans at both sites until the May vote.

If voters approve the change, "We're going to construct the largest 'for sale' sign in Columbus" at the 24 acres Penn National bought in the Arena District, said President Tim Wilmott.

However, the company will pursue a casino at the Arena District if voters reject the May request, Wilmott said. He said the company has respected the wishes of business and government officials by considering an alternate site and expects that they will support an Arena District project if the Delphi location is not an option.

Audience members asked Wilmott and company spokesman Eric Schippers when they would start hiring locally (in late 2011, about a year before they hope to open), whether they would pursue horse racing in Columbus (no), what they will do to fight problem gambling (education campaigns for both casino workers and customers).

A leader of Casino Free Columbus also challenged the Penn National officials about their efforts to get permission for a 24-hour alcohol permit. Chuck Hootman, an owner of Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails, said the request is unfair to other bars and restaurants in Ohio.

Penn National officials said they need a 24-hour permit to compete with casinos in surrounding states.

Although defeating the May request would not prevent a Columbus casino, Hootman said after the session that he would be asking voters to vote against that measure.