According to figures from the Ohio State Racing Commission, the total bet per program through the first half of 2008 at Scioto Downs is up 104.3 per cent.

"I'm very pleased with the total bet during the first half of our 50th anniversary meet," said Stacy Cahill, general manager/racing operations. "We've posted big gains despite horrible weather. Last month was the wettest June in Columbus history and that especially affects a track like Scioto with an open grandstand."

Cahill says that improved weather could lead to even higher betting totals the rest of the meet.

"Plus, we have some better quality racing coming up for our fans and we know they'll respond to that," she pointed out. "For example we have Ohio Sires Stakes on both Friday and Saturday of this week."

Cahill emphasized that a new simulcasting arrangement with nearby Beulah Park has spurred the higher total betting numbers. During Scioto's summer meet, Beulah is closed and thus simulcasting bettors come to Scioto.

(With files from Scioto)