Kenneth Blackwell Opposes Slot Machines but not IGT

With the office of Governor being openly sought by a handful of Democrats and Republicans, surprising news about one of the candidates - Republican J. Kenneth Blackwell - has recently surfaced.  It seems that despite Blackwell's possession of stock in America's leading producer of slot machines, International Game Technology (IGT), he is opposed to the November ballot that would allow slot machines to be placed at Ohio racetracks.

While his views are inconsistent with his personal agenda, some speculate that Blackwell does not want to be pinned for promoting his own interests, considering that if slots were to be introduced into Ohio - and IGT were to take up a charge of their own - Blackwell would likely stand to make a good amount of money.

However, Blackwell says that is not the case.  A spokesperson for the top ranking gubernatorial candidate says that Blackwell is simply opposed to the expansion of state-run gambling.  The inconsistency that many are referring to is that IGT was responsible for supplying over 65% of the nearly 830,000 new slot machines installed in America last year.  And getting new slot machines into North America is state-sponsored gambling, if ever there was such a thing.

A spokesman for the Ohio Democratic Party, as well as the President of the Ohio Roundtable have both openly addressed Blackwell's interest in IGT, and brought light to the inconsistency in his views and actions, which was surprising news to many Ohio constituents.  Blackwell has a very impressive track record as both a Senator and the Ohio Secretary of State - the position in which he is now serving.

Back to April News>>>

Back to Recent News>>>