Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005 | 9:36 a.m.
LORAIN, Ohio -- The uncertainty about whether American Indians will be able to open casinos in Ohio is not stopping cities from negotiating multimillion-dollar land deals with one tribe.
The Oklahoma-based Eastern Shawnee tribe, which has roots in Ohio, is entering agreements to buy property around the state, positioning itself to build casinos if it can persuade the General Assembly and Gov. Bob Taft to amend state law.
The tribe already has agreements to purchase land on the Lake Erie shore in Lorain, along the Ohio Turnpike in Lordstown and off Interstate 75 in Monroe and Botkins.
All the deals are contingent on the state legalizing casino gambling.
Taft spokesman Mark Rickel reiterated Tuesday that the governor "remains opposed to expanding casino-style gambling into Ohio."
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