MTR Gaming Group, Inc. has announced that the new Scioto Downs, the latest addition to its gaming properties, will open as scheduled today

(Friday, June 1).

The last two hurdles leading up to this Friday’s opening were cleared when the Ohio Roundtable’s lawsuit against allowing video lottery terminals at the state’s seven racetracks was dismissed, and when Scioto Downs Inc. entered into an agreement with the Ohio State Racing Commission to set aside nine per cent of Scioto Downs’ VLT revenue for the benefit of the horsemen.

“We are pleased that our discussions with the Ohio horsemen continue to progress and look forward to having them as thriving partners,” said Jeffrey Dahl, president and CEO of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. “Further, we are glad to have these matters behind us and look forward to opening our new facility [Friday]. We’ve added approximately 700 new jobs to the community, and are keenly focused on delivering to metro Columbus an exciting new gaming experience at Scioto Downs. This is truly an extraordinary gaming facility, of which the entire MTR team is very proud.”

In addition to opening the new gaming complex at Scioto Downs Friday, company officials and dignitaries will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 19 at Scioto Downs to thank public officials and to officially welcome guests to the new complex.

The new gaming addition to Scioto Downs will host approximately 2,125 VLTs and is permitted to increase that number to as many as 2,500. Additionally, there will be a 300-seat buffet, a 100-seat casual dining restaurant, an 82-seat bar/lounge known as the Veil with high-tech sound and lights, and will offer a variety of entertainment options. The existing racetrack also benefited from a variety of significant improvements.

To view a photo gallery of the new Scioto Downs, click here.