Penn National official disappointed in Ohio Senate racino compromise

COLUMBUS — A leading Penn National Gaming Inc. official expressed disappointment in an Ohio Senate amendment that could settle the payment debate for the Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course in Austintown.

The state senate approved House Bill 494 with an additional amendment for the $500,000 payments owed to Austintown and Dayton for their racinos.

Eric Schippers, senior vice president of public affairs for Penn National, said in a statement today, however, "We are extremely disappointed by the special new tax the Ohio Senate has voted to impose on our company alone, despite our having paid an unprecedented $150 million in fees for the ability to relocate our racetracks to areas in need of new economic development and jobs.

“Our company has invested nearly $1 billion in four gaming facilities in Ohio, created thousands of new jobs, and paid more than $320 million in new local and state tax revenues, and continues to support numerous local charities and civic organizations in the communities in which we operate.

"We're baffled by the Senate’s action, and we are beyond dismayed at having been singled out yet again for another money grab."