Ohio churches against slots in Ohio

[bartongrl1]

Since Governor Strickland issued the order that slot machines can be installed in Ohios racetracks, Ohios churches are speaking out against this and are promising to sue in order keep slots from being installed in the racetracks.

The churches, namely the United Methodist Church says that

the amendment in the state constitution establishing the lottery doesn't allow slot gaming, nor does it permit the money to be spent other than on education.

Ohio residents though are 2 to 1 for having slot machines in Ohio. And a few residents have been voiciferous in stating their opinions on the subject.

For instance, a Columbus resident says

Whatever happened to the vow of poverty? Giant, gleaming churches get built, preachers have Cadillacs and big homes, and the collection plates keep sucking the poor parishioners dry. How is gambling more predatory than that

A Youngstown resident states that

Maybe the churches involved would like to volunteer to pay taxes like the rest of us. "If they didn't have exemptions from taxation, both Ohio and the US would probably have enough extra money they could be pickier about how to raise revenue."

Spokespeople for the Govenors office dont think that the churches have a valid argument and the lottery will be the ones that will operate the slots.

And my thoughts on this are, and I am a Methodist, is that people have choices in what they decide to pursue, be it lottery, horse racing or slots.

And, just because the churches dont agree, it wont stop church members from playing the slots, just as it hasnt stopped them from doing other things that the church doesnt agree with.

I would far rather see the churches fighting to get prayer back in our schools. To me this is much more important.

[scoobygirl30]

I am in total agreement with you on this one Bartongrl1. The churches should be fighting for something more important like getting prayer back into schools rather than attempting to destroy the fun of others.

I am not much of a church goer anymore. Churches have become so blinded for the need of money, that its like they are working for or a part the goverment now days, LOL. Its horrible.

I personally love the idea of having slot machines at the Ohio racetracks. I think that it is a great idea, and will help boost the revenue for the state.

We all know that right now each state is in need of some revenue. Thankfully Ohio will be one who gets a much needed boost.


I just love what the Columbus resident said and the Youngstown resident said. It is all so true.

I worked in retail for several years, and we would get in alot of churches who were tax exempt, this alone was the reason in which they helped people. I would love to see them also pay the taxes that the rest of us are forced to pay. I bet they would change their tune about alot of things real quick!!!!

[iluvslots]

Just a question. If we do get the slots in Ohio, are they going to put any toward the roads?

I was on the Ohio turnpike today and it was horrible. The roads here in Ohio are terrible as probably in different states as well. But the Ohio turnpike needs help in a bad way.

Where will all the proceeds go from Ohio slots? I was just wondering. I hope we get them here as well. I will gamble regardless whether Ohio or WV or Pa. I would just as soon keep my money here.

[scoobygirl30]

I dont know where the money is going to go, there is alot in the state of Ohio which money is really needed. Though I am happy that the slots are going to soon be there so that we can all have fun playing them while knowing that we are helping out our state.