Ohio voters support banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving by a margin of 3-1, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. Voters also support banning text messaging while driving with over 90% agreeing the act is dangerous.

Banning hand-held cell phones while driving would improve safety “a great deal,” 49 percent say, while 35 percent say there would be “some” safety improvement, the independent Quinnipiac University poll finds.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s job approval is up slightly. The Democratic incumbent leads over John Kasich, a likely Republican challenger in the 2010 re-election campaign.

But 54% voters disapprove of the way Gov. Strickland is handling the state economy and also disapprove of his handling of the state budget.

Voters support legalized casino gambling in Ohio 56 – 37 percent and back gambling initiatives to open casinos in four urban areas and to add video slot machines at racetracks.

58% of Ohio voters support a November ballot proposal to open gambling casinos in the state’s four largest metro areas, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo.

Despite support for casinos, 60% of Ohio voters say they are not likely or not likely at all to go to a casino.

“Gambling opponents, who have beat back previous efforts to bring casinos to Ohio four times, have their work cut out for them if they are to prevail this time,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University polling institute.