In the US state of Ohio, the Mahoning Valley Development Group is planning to build a new racino resort.
The group has announced plans to build the state’s eighth horse racetrack, Mahoning Valley Downs and Resort, as part of a $300m investment. In addition to the racing facilities, the 100-acre resort will include a casino with an eye towards the expansion of VLTs to racetracks.
"This is an exciting project that will be an incredible magnet for the Mahoning Valley to attract new jobs, new industry and will have a ripple effect throughout the valley," said Rick Lertzman, chairman of the Mahoning Valley Development Group. "Importantly, we believe that we will create over 1,000 jobs in the construction of the property and 1,500-2,000 permanent jobs in its operation."
Another member of the group, Dr Bradford Pressman, said there had been rumours that Penn Gaming is considering relocating either Toledo’s Raceway Park or Beulah Park in Columbus.
"We believe that it would be quite unfortunate to take away all of those jobs from Toledo or Columbus," he said. "Our group has designed a plan to expand Ohio’s racing industry, add new jobs and create the eighth racetrack in Ohio."
