Matt Cullen, president and chief operating officer of Rock Gaming, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that indecision on the part of Gov. John Kasich regarding casino fees and taxes could delay construction on projects in Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Cullen said Rock Gaming has spent more than $100 million to finance the projects, but needs to close financing deals for what
Kasich has said he thinks Ohio should receive more money from casinos. The resulting uncertainty about the cost of operating those casinos has made lenders wary, Cullen said.
Its becoming a real problem for us, he told the Plain Dealer. It doesnt work we have to have certainty around these projects or we cant embark on the process.
Cincinnatis casino is scheduled to open near the end of 2012, but Cullen said the financing issue means Rock Gaming may have to cancel a steel order worth millions of dollars, which would push back the construction timetable.
A Kasich spokesman told the paper the governor will not make a decision about fees and taxes until he hires a gaming expert to advise the state. He said the state is on the cusp of hiring that expert and that key decisions will be made very quickly.
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