Racino still exceeding officials' expectations

AUSTINTOWN

Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course increased its percentage paid out and still maintained strong monthly numbers for October, its first full month of operation, according to data released by the state lottery commission.

Hollywood Gaming had $79,796,985 credits played, including $70,915,990 won by gamers for a payout rate of 89.2 percent. That led to a win-per-day per video lottery terminal of $325.

Penn National Gaming Inc. officials have said a good month is considered to be a win-per-day per machine of $300 or higher.

Hollywood Gaming took in $5,704,818 in net winnings while the lottery commission took $2,888,297 and $28,668 went to problem-gambling services.

These numbers compare with September’s numbers, which accounted for only 14 days of being open to the public. Those were $52.8 million credits played during days of operation in September.

After credits of $46.8 million won by gamers, an 88.77 percent payout, that equated to a win-per-day per VLT of $499. The distributions for September were $4.9 million going to the racino, $1.9 million to the lottery commission and $19,739 to problem-gambling services.

“It’s still new. The win-per-day is kind of inflated due to the newness,” said Alan Silver, Ohio University assistant professor of restaurant, hotel and tourism and a casino expert. “Now the key is getting loyalty and getting the players to return.”

He also noted Hollywood Gaming’s early numbers are similar to those of Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon, Ohio. Penn National officials have said they want Hollywood Gaming to have similar numbers at that facility.

Read more about the success of the new facility in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.