Casinos in Ohio Persuasive Speech

General Purpose: To persuade

Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to vote and allow for casinos to operate in Ohio.

Central Idea: To motivate citizens to re-evaluate the decision to allow for Casino operation in Ohio.

I. Introduction: With the recent economic downturn, building and operating Casinos in Ohio can be a solution.

A. Attention Material (focus attention on problem): The problem is Ohio, as with the rest of the United States, is in the midst of an economic downturn. What else are we basing Ohio’s economy on? Certainly not manufacturing, this is leaving us in droves thanks to the global economy. Apparently not education, as Ohio’s colleges and universities get increasingly expensive and drive young people to other states. Researchers found with 30 years of the Ohio Lottery, that no one has shown signs of excessive gambling practices.

B. Tie to Audience: I think you may all be in agreement that we are all here to further our education. Make more money right? Casinos could bring economic growth to Ohio in several ways; Create more jobs, bring people into Ohio to not only gamble, but to shop, or relocate, and the list can go on.

C. Credibility Material: According to NBC channel 4 (based out of downtown Columbus, Ohio), the casino would cost 600 million to develop and it would bring 5,000 new jobs in Ohio. It would generate $200 million in tax revenue for Ohio’s 88 counties. The group that proposed the casino in Clinton County has its eye on the, now vacant, 152,000 square foot City Center Mall with plans to revamp the once popular downtown retail space.

D. Thesis and Preview: In recent headlines, both state and city workers are being let go from their positions each week since the beginning of 2009. Several projects have been placed on hold, including the re-routing of the I-70/I-71 split, cut backs on winter weather road treatment, and closure of several central Ohio recreation centers. With the implementation of alternative tax revenue for the state, such as a casino, this could result in the restart of several Ohio projects. Just envision, opening day of the casino, the red-ribbon is cut, the media showing live footage of Ohio’s first casino; people are excited that at last an answer to Ohio’s struggling economy is nearing closure. Public transportation to and from downtown begins to hit numbers that haven’t been recorded in years. Hotel expansion projects are proposed as the growing number of out of town visitation increase, the need for more law enforcement, on-site security personnel, all of which are new jobs created in Ohio.

(Transition into Body of Speech)

II. Body

A. Main Point #1 -- NEED

1. (Statement of Need for Action): Allowing the development for a Casino in Ohio will help boost economic stimulation in Ohio.

a. (Description of Problem): The problem is the loss of jobs and limited opportunities in Ohio.

b. (Signs, Symptoms, Effects of Problem): Major corporations are both downsizing their organizations or leaving Ohio in search of a stronger economy. The elimination of jobs is sending in the need for State funded unemployment assistance in record numbers. Banking industry revenue is declining, due to the increase in mortgage defaults as a result of higher unemployment rates.

c. (Example, Narrative, or Testimony): The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in December was 465,000, up from 435,000 in November. The number of unemployed workers has increased by 118,000 in the past 12 months from 347,000. The December unemployment rate for Ohio was up from 5.8 percent in December 2007.

2. (Importance of the Problem): If we do not do something to change the economic hardships this can result in another depression.

a. (Extent of the problem): Poor economic decisions made by federal, state, and/or local government officials.

b. (Facts/Statistics): Ohio’s economic stature has been on a consistent decline over the past decade according to experts from The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Statistics are showing in our current state, that if we stay on our current path of economic decisions, we will remain in a recession longer than anticipated.

c. (Expert Testimony): According to an article from the Courier-Journal.com, Indiana’s revenue in 2007 was 2.7 billion, up from 2008 revenue of 2.67 billion.

3. (Who is Affected): With economic recession, the whole country, as well as international countries is affected. With boosting Ohio’s economy, this would result in a catalyst across the U.S. and the globe.

a. (Facts and Statistics): Even in the recession, annual revenue in Indiana still remains relatively strong. According to the Courier-Journal.com article, analysts and gambling executive’s state, “Despite the less-than-ideal economic environment, the so-called "racinos" opened in June, attracting Indianapolis area gamblers. The two tracks ' slot-machine revenues totaled nearly $195 million through December”.

b. (Example and Narrative): With the current multi-billion dollar stimulus package in the works by congress, casino experts predict that business will continue to increase in the later part of 2009.

(Transition into Main Point 2): Now I will be talking to you about…

B. Main Point #2 SATISFACTION (Present Solution that Satisfies Need): With plans to revitalize downtown Columbus, officials are looking to make City Center Mall into Ohio’s first casino.

1. (Description of Solution): City Center Mall is already vacant, leaving developers open to use the 152,000 square foot facility.

a. (How Solution Satisfies Need): Utilizing existing, vacant retail space in our downtown, will help boost consumer moral, economic growth, and saving tax-payer money recycling and existing building in our already struggling downtown area.

b. (How Solution can be Implemented/Plan of Action): The implementation can start by contacting your local congressman to have the issue placed on the next voter ballot. Obtain additional information on the organizations responsible for gathering signatures to help have the issue placed on the ballot.

(Transition into Main Point 3): Now I will discuss…

C. Main Point # 3 VISUALIZATION

1. (Describe Expected Results of Action): By passing the legalization of casino gambling, the overall outcome would be more jobs, more revenue, more opportunities, better economy, and contribution to ending our nation’s recession.

2. (Describer Consequences of Inaction): If we as a state do not come together and make a difference in our economy, more jobs are predicted to be lost, our unemployment rate will continue to grow, and Ohio’s cut plan could be eliminated.

(Transition into Conclusion): To sum up, I have discussed…

III. Conclusion

A. Review: Today we have discussed how bringing a casino into Ohio can make a significant change in Ohio’s economy.

B. Summary: A casino in Ohio provides opportunities for Ohioans, stimulates economic growth and revitalizes parts of Ohio that have been in hardship over the last several years.

C. Tie Back to the Audience: As you complete your education program, think about how this could improve your employment opportunities. In the same way, think about Ohioans tax dollars hard at work improving the economy with a casino.

D. Concluding Remarks: I would like to conclude by saying a casino today brings a better Ohio for tomorrow. I am asking for your support in today’s discussion to help spread the message to your family, friends, co-workers, to everyone. This topic is a huge opportunity that continues to pass us by; won’t you give it just one chance?

Bibliography

Ballot Pedia. Ohio Issue 6 (2008). 14 February 2009 .

Harter, Brian. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. 23 January 2009. 14 February 2009 .

Willis, Donna. Columbus Underground. 06 November 2008. 14 February 2009 .

Yost, Denise. Columbus Underground. 09 June 2008. 14 February 2009 .

Bibliography: Ballot Pedia. Ohio Issue 6 (2008). 14 February 2009 . Harter, Brian. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. 23 January 2009. 14 February 2009 . Willis, Donna. Columbus Underground. 06 November 2008. 14 February 2009 . Yost, Denise. Columbus Underground. 09 June 2008. 14 February 2009 .