Ohio schools get nearly $38 million from casinos

First allocation from casino taxes amounts to nearly $38 million for Ohio schools

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The state says Ohio schools are getting nearly $38 million in the first chunk of casino-tax revenue.

This is the first distribution to schools since casinos opened last year. The money is distributed on a per-pupil basis twice per year to more than 1,000 school districts and charter schools across Ohio. It works out to $20.93 for each of the roughly 1.8 million students.

The breakdown was announced Tuesday bu the Ohio Department of Taxation. Schools receive 34 percent of the revenue, with 51 percent going to county government.

The money comes from taxes levied on the three operating casinos in the state, in Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. The fourth casino, in Cincinnati, will open in March.