COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state’s third casino moved toward an Oct. 8 opening as the Ohio Casino Control Commission on Wednesday approved gaming licenses for 178 employees.

Executive Director Matthew Schuler earlier authorized licenses for 100 employees of the Hollywood casino in Columbus to speed the process. The casino will have about 2,000 workers, and three-fourths of them will need state gaming licenses.

The commission also approved, or gave Schuler authority to sign off on, the Hollywood’s plans for internal controls, security, surveillance and promotion of “responsible gaming” by bettors.

The most significant hurdle will come Sept. 12, when the casino commission is to vote on the Hollywood’s license. The commission also will vote on gaming licenses for additional employees, including key staff.

Penn National Gaming, the Hollywood’s owner, will conduct a test run for the commission on Oct. 3. Patrons will be admitted by invitation only, with 10,000 scheduled to come during the day and 3,000 others at night. Proceeds will go to charity.

Four casinos are permitted under a constitutional amendment that Ohio voters approved.

in 2009. Penn National also owns the Hollywood Casino in Toledo, which opened May 29. Rock Ohio Caesars, which opened the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland on May 14, will add a second Horseshoe next spring in Cincinnati. No firm date has been set.

The Cincinnati casino announced Wednesday that it will begin recruiting 750 dealers and supervisors next week.

The casino has begun accepting applications and will continue to take them through Sept. 16. Applications can be submitted online at HorseshoeCincinnati.com

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