The state’s first combined horse track and video slots facility generated $11 million in profit in its opening month of operation, the Ohio Lottery Commission reported Monday.
People gambled nearly $122.7 million last month at Scioto Downs, a harness track in Columbus. Included in that figure was $1.67 million in promotional play. They won $109.9 million, the state said.
The state-run lottery, which is overseeing racino gambling, received $3.7 million of the profits, and the remaining $7.3 million was given to Scioto Downs owner MTR Gaming of Chester, W.Va.
Scioto Downs opened its gambling facility June 1 with 1,787 slots-like video lottery terminals. It is the state’s first racino.
The six other horse tracks in Ohio also are expected to offer video lottery terminals in the future.
The lottery commission had promised to post monthly financial results online (available at www.ohiolottery.com/About/Financial/About---VLT-Revenue), and Monday was the first report.
The state had predicted it would receive about $3 million in revenue a month from each racino.
“We’re very happy with the first month’s performance,” said Danielle Frizzi-Babb, spokeswoman for the lottery.
An MTR spokesman said the company would comment later Monday.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
