A proposal to allow casino gambling in Ohio's four largest cities was cleared for the fall ballot Tuesday, within days of lottery-run slot machines at horse racing tracks being legalized.

A story from the AP says, both plans are being pitched as saviors to the Rust Belt state's ailing economy _ the slots plan by raising $933 million for state coffers and salvaging the state's once proud horse racing industry; the prospective casino plan by promising 34,000 new jobs in Ohio's struggling urban centers.

The two plans also are alike in another way: Both are backed by big gambling interests that will spend millions ahead of November's vote fighting for their side.

The Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee is a joint effort of Pennsylvania-based Penn National Gaming Inc. and Dan Gilbert, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Among the committee's promises are "first-class casinos" in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo; $11 billion in economic impact within the first five years; $651 million in casino tax revenue for counties, cities and school districts; and $200 million in upfront fees paid to the state for work force development and job training.

The leading voice against the issue is likely to be MTR Gaming Group Inc., which has among its properties Mountaineer Casino & Resort in Chester, W.Va., and the Scioto Downs horse track in Columbus, where some of the new slot machines will go.