Congratulations to Penn National Gaming and Hollywood Casino Toledo. The property is astounding in its vision and a triumph in its execution. Every inch of the casino has been crafted with care, attention to detail and a major-market quest for quality that should be lauded and applauded.
Hollywood Casino Toledo is a marvel, an attraction that catapults Toledo into the modern era of entertainment. Our zoo, museum and baseball stadium will always be cornerstones of our identity and future, but the casino is a new investment, an exciting gamble that should draw business and dollars from a great regional circle.
Penn National Gaming could have downscaled its investment in this unproven market or could have hedged its bet. Nothing of the sort is evident anywhere on the property. The technology in the gaming and the intense passion in the casino’s four restaurants are a major statement on Penn National’s confidence in this market. The company has already made major philanthropic investments in our community, and has proven itself to be a more open-minded and fair neighbor than many of our long-standing institutions.
Now, it’s our turn. It is vital to our future that Hollywood Casino Toledo becomes a renowned success. If it does, there will surely be more investment and development to follow. If it were to fail, it strains credulity to imagine a scenario in which another major business would invest this kind of multimillion dollar venture in Northwest Ohio. If a $320 million major market draw doesn’t earn support, what message does that send to other prospective investors who may be circling Toledo?
Is it a panacea? No. Does the castle being strong mean the kingdom will be run flawlessly? No. But the investment and promise the casino represents are owed an opportunity to thrive and flourish. If you don’t gamble, how about trying one of the restaurants or seeing a live show? How about at least checking out the property and then spreading the good word to others in our region and beyond?
It may not be winner take all, but Hollywood Casino Toledo represents a turning point in the culture and future of Toledo. Are we going to step up and contribute to its success or are we going to stand back, arms folded, skeptical, while a golden development opportunity dances in front of us?
Again, congratulations to the owners and staff of Hollywood Casino Toledo — and to contractor Rudolph|Libbe. Thank you for your investment and belief in Toledo; here’s to a long, mutually beneficial run that pays off for everyone.
Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.
