COLUMBUS — Ohio voters hard hit by the economic downturn have opened their state to casino gambling after an expensive campaign promising thousands of jobs.

With 91 percent of precincts reporting unofficial results, Issue 3 passed 53 percent to 47 percent.

It marked a significant victory for Penn National Gaming Inc. and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who spent nearly $35 million promoting four big-city casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. An economic impact study commissioned by the campaign predicted nearly 40,000 temporary and permanent jobs and $4 billion in economic impact, though social costs were not considered.

State Rep. Lou Blessing, a Republican who fought the plan, said he plans to push a ballot issue next May that amends elements of the plan, collects more taxes from the casinos and puts the licenses up for bid.

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