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Racino GM sees growth potential
Austintown track is in 4th season
By Greg Gulas
BEAVER TOWNSHIP
Tony Frabbiele, the general manager for Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, says there are still plenty of opportunities for the Austintown racino to grow.
Named to his current post on June 14, told the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s luncheon at Avion Banquet Center that his site is one of the fastest growing in Ohio.
With their horse racing season in full swing — they race four times a week from Monday through Wednesday, and again on Saturday until mid-April — their Trackside Restaurant is a busy location.
“We’re doing great on the gaming side and looking to further diversify in order to attract more people to Austintown and the Mahoning Valley,” Frabbiele said. “Our Trackside Restaurant only operates during racing season and you can reserve a table, enjoy a great lunch and be right up on the windows in order to watch all of the action.”
With more than 400 employees during racing season (300 when not in season), the site is home to 944 horses (there are 988 stalls). Also employed are trainers jockeys, handlers, attendants and security.
“It’s like a mini-city when we are in-season,” Frabbiele said. “Horses can only run every 14 days and like athletes, they have specific diets and training regimens.
“Trainers live on site in order to take care of their horses and have them ready to go by race time.”
Anywhere from seven to nine races are run daily with two veterinarians also on staff, checking for injuries and to ensure that all horses receive the very best care.
“The prize pool is fed by all of the bettors from across the nation,” Frabbiele said. “Pots grow and there is some carryover so there can be some really big pay-outs.”
Frabbiele is a third-generation gaming industry employee, born and raised in Las Vegas. He started his career parking cars as a valet, then waited tables and has advanced within the industry to run properties in Lake Charles, La.; San Diego; and Atlantic City.
He also served as general manager at Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge, La.
“The first thing that I wanted to do was get to know our employees and then the people that come through the doors,” Frabbiele said. “I love this community because it is such a family-friendly environment. Moving to the country has also been a great experience for me and my family.”
In its fourth year of operation, the racino is governed by the Ohio Lottery Commission. It has gone from 800 video lottery terminals to i 1,037 machines with all Ohio Lottery games and scratch-offs also available.