Racetrack could bring 1,500 jobs to Dayton

Dayton Daily News

DAYTON

Penn National Gaming plans to announce today it will invest $200 million to build and operate a thoroughbred horse-racing track and transfer Beulah Park operations near Columbus to Dayton, creating as many as 1,500 jobs in the region.

The deal is contingent on the state’s approval of video- gaming slots and calls for a track at the former Delphi Corp. automotive plant near the corner of Wagner Ford and Needmore roads. It is unclear when a racetrack would open in Dayton.

The gaming company, based in Wyomissing, Pa., is expected to unveil its plan to the state’s racing commission this morning, followed by a formal announcement in Dayton later this afternoon. Opposition is expected from the owners of Lebanon Raceway, which already faces competition from other tracks. A commission spokesman confirmed Penn officials have asked to speak at this morning’s meeting.

Penn National officials made public in recent weeks their desire to move Beulah and Raceway Park in Toledo because they were concerned it would affect casinos they plan to build in those cities. Penn officials are also expected to announce today plans to move Raceway Park to a 186-acre site in Austintown.