With Ohio’s racinos approaching outperforming its four casino resorts, the next racino, the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, is scheduled to open August 28.
The $200 million, 24/7 Hollywood, owned and operated by Penn National Gaming, will have 1,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) and a 5/8th mile harness racetrack, which will offer racing beginning October 3, when it will celebrate a second “grand opening.” Seating will accommodate 1,000 and there will be a simulcast racing center.
According to Penn CEO Tim Wilmott, “Located in North Dayton and convenient to both I-75 and I-70, Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway will provide our guests with a range of memorable experiences in an exciting, high energy setting.”
Gary DeWitt, general manager of the facility, added, “We’re already in high gear and look forward to welcoming guests on August 28 with a unique gaming and entertainment experience for this region. The building itself is nearing completion, we’re continuing to build our team, and we anticipate big crowds when we open the doors.”
The planned opening is pending approval by Ohio’s racing regulatory agency.
According to the state, the four casino resorts reported $71.2 million in revenue in May, compared to $55.7 million from its five racinos. The racinos have slots and racing, but no table games. Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center and River Downs racetrack both recently joined the mix of Buckeye State racinos. Eventually there will be seven racinos with a total of 8,500 VLTs.
Racino slots are outperforming slots only at the casino resorts in Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati and Columbus, with $55.7 million from the five racinos, compared to $46 million in slots from the casino resorts.
