The Worcester County Commissioners made a major decision this week in approving a text amendment creating a casino entertainment district. It will be a vote leading to the transformation of the Ocean Downs Casino property on Route 589. It will also be a vote referred to often in the future when attorneys bring similar overlay requests for other properties in the north end of the county.

Though the casino owners will still have some hoops to jump through at the state level, it’s clear this week’s 5-2 vote at the county level will allow them to proceed with developing the property further. A 100-plus room hotel is a given on the site and other amenities to attract visitors are expected as well.