New speaker considers gambling option

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The new speaker of the Ohio House says he is willing to consider casino gambling as a way to increase state revenue.

Democrat Armond Budish of Beachwood says gambling is just one option to help close the anticipated $7 billion shortfall in the state's two-year budget.

Ohio voters have rejected casino gambling four times, but gambling interests already are regrouping.

Budish said he has met with representatives of Penn National Gaming Inc., which owns Toledo Raceway in northwest Ohio and the Argosy riverboat casino in southeast Indiana, near Cincinnati.

Gov. Ted Strickland has opposed expanded gambling but did support the addition of Keno to the lottery games offered in Ohio last year.