NEW OFFERINGS PUSH OHIO RACINOS TO RECORD YEAR
Ohio’s racinos had a record year in fiscal year 2017, increasing revenue for the seven gambling and race track combination venues by $57.7 million over the previous year.
Ohio’s racinos brought in more than $926.6 million last year, their most profitable year so far, fiscal year-end reports released by the Ohio Lottery show. That’s up more than 459 percent from $165.5 million in 2013, the first full fiscal year racinos were legal in Ohio.
“We’re proud of the continued success,” said Danielle Frizzi-Babb, deputy director of communications for the Ohio Lottery. “This was another record year.”
The growth in racino revenue can mostly be attributed to new offerings, Frizzi-Babb said. Ohio’s racinos are offering more games and amenities than they have in past years, she said, including a hotel that recently opened at Scioto Downs in Columbus.
Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon is in the midst of renovating its high-limit betting area while also building a new $5 million outdoor gaming and smoking patio, said Jerry Abner, director of marketing for the racino. The new patio and betting area is expected to open sometime in late fall.
“Overall, we’re very pleased with our continued success,” Abner said. “It’s a very competitive market so it speaks volumes that guests choose Miami Valley Gaming.”
Southwest Ohio’s racinos collectively raked in more than $25 million in net revenue during fiscal year 2017, which ended June 30. The more than $25 million is what racinos brought in after prize payouts and promotions, according to the state.
In Southwest Ohio, Miami Valley gaming had the largest increase from the end of fiscal year 2016 to the end of fiscal year 2017. The racino generated around $12.7 million more in net revenue over last year.
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway was second in the region, bringing in more than $7.1 million more this past year than the year before. Bellterra Park in Cincinnati came in third, generating more than $5.1 million more this year than last year, according to reports.