It's long been the subject of debate in Ohio. Should the state allow casino gambling? But in recent weeks the stakes have been raised higher.

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Should Cincinnati allow casinos on the riverfront? Share your thoughts at Cincinnati.Com. Keyword: casinos

With Pennsylvania last week legalizing slot-machine gambling and Indiana casinos expanding, Ohio is now bordered on two sides with states that allow casino-style gambling.

Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken two weeks ago called for the Legislature to revisit casino gambling as Ohioans spend $3 billion annually at out-of-state casinos. In today's Forum, Luken and David Zanotti, president of the Ohio Roundtable, debate whether the state should approve casino gambling.

• Luken: Casino will give city new energy
• Zanotti: Do the math; Casinos hurt us
• Letters: Casino idea floats for some, not for others

Yates' resolution

Ohio Rep. Tyrone K. Yates, D-Cincinnati, has proposed amending Article XV, Section 6 of the Ohio Constitution to add this sentence: "The General Assembly may authorize and regulate the operation of one riverboat gambling franchise in each of the cities of Cincinnati and Cleveland." If his resolution is adopted by the Legislature, it would go on the ballot and take effect Jan. 1 if approved by a majority of Ohio voters.