Ohio's sixth racino opened in Dayton yesterday

Racino officials aren’t releasing gambling revenue projections, but expect it will draw 1 million visitors a year. Live harness racing will start October 3, while simulcast horse racing from around the country will begin immediately. The racino stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Between bets, patrons can get a drink at the H Lounge that seats about 50 and features a stage for regional musical acts. Performances will be broadcast on flat screen TVs throughout the 33,000-square-foot gaming floor.

Visitors can eat at four food outlets. The Skybox Sports Bar will seat 150. Three other restaurants will share seating in the food court: Hollywood & Grind, a coffee and sandwich concept; Ciao, offering pizza, pasta and other Italian fare; and Take 2 Grille, serving burgers, hot dogs and chicken. The racino also has two concession stands.

The 125,000-square-foot complex has 1,800 parking spaces. Valet parking costs US$5.

The new racino will battle head-to-head for Greater Cincinnati gamblers with Miami Valley Gaming racino in Turtlecreek Township, 30 miles south. Miami Valley Gaming opened in December.

A second Hollywood racino is slated to open on September 17 in suburban Youngstown, marking Ohio’s seventh and last racetrack to add video slots. Hollywood’s parent company, Penn National Gaming Inc. of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, also operates the Hollywood casinos in Lawrenceburg, Columbus and Toledo.