Schools Win Big in Casino Gambling

Strongsville schools are due to get $128,185 this month from Ohio's gamblers.

The money is the first payment to school districts from taxes the state's casinos pay on their revenue.

School Treasurer Debbie Herrmann said the money will go into the general fund for general use, unless the district decides to set it aside for something special.

"We don't have it earmarked yet," Herrmann said.

In all, schools in Ohio are sharing $37.9 million in casino taxes, according to figures from the Ohio Department of Taxation. 

It's the first distribution of the taxes to schools since casinos opened in Ohio last May.

Casinos pay about a third of their revenue to the state in taxes. The state shares 51 percent of that money with counties, based on population, and 34 percent with school districts based on enrollment.

Schools receive their payments twice a year. The next check will arrive at the end of August.

Ohio now has three casinos, in Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. A fourth will open in March in Cincinnati.