Chester, WV, June 03, 2013 –(PR.com)– MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MNTG) announced today the remittance of the second and final payment for its operating license to the Ohio Lottery Commission for its Scioto Downs Racino in the amount of $25 million dollars.
Scioto Downs, which opened June 1, 2012, was the first race track in the state to receive a license to operate video lottery terminals. The Las Vegas- style gaming property has been warmly received by both the community and its customers.
“Scioto Downs has performed above and well beyond what we initially expected,” said Joseph L. Billhimer, MTR Gaming Group Inc. Acting President and Chief Operating Officer. “When we look back one year from now we were elated that this magnificent property opened ahead of schedule and well under-budget and now, a year later, we are ecstatic about the performance of the property and all of our team members at Scioto Downs.”
The property’s performance has exceeded the expectations of the Ohio Lottery too. The Ohio Lottery estimated that the state’s share of revenue from Scioto Downs would be approximately $3 million a month. Through April the casino has averaged $3.7 million dollars a month in payments, or 23% more than expected and has contributed more than $37 million dollars to state coffers.
“Scioto Downs has been a good partner,” says Ohio Lottery Director, Dennis Berg. “As the first video lottery terminal operator in the state, we’re grateful for Scioto Downs professional and proactive operations. The track has provided $50 million in licensing fees, along with more than $37 million in gross operating revenue, which will go toward education in Ohio.”
“We are proud that this money goes towards the betterment of the community through education,” said Troy Buswell, VP and General Manager of Scioto Downs. “But we bring more to the table than just tax dollars. Scioto Downs has hired more than 600 employees locally and spends hundreds-of-thousands of dollars a year for services and products provided by local vendors. We are proud to be very active in the community, contribute to numerous charities and causes and we will continue to look for more ways to help this great community grow.”
One of the many beneficiaries of the Racino’s opening is the local hospitality industry.
“We have definitely seen an increase in customers,” said Roger Fangman, General Manager of the Baymont Inn and Suites. “The Scioto Downs Racino has been good for business and they are great partners in the local community.”
Another benefit from the revenue generated by the video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Scioto Downs is the horseman’s purse fund. Since the inception of VLTs, Scioto Downs has contributed more than $10 million dollars to the horseman’s fund, greatly increasing the prize amounts for races.
“At this point Scioto Downs is the premiere harness racing facility in Ohio,” said Bob Schmitz, Chairman of the Ohio State Racing Commission. “I couldn’t be more pleased with everything that has been accomplished there; from the increased purses to the renovations to the clubhouse; and the increased attendance – Scioto Downs is in great shape and has a very bright future.”
The gaming property, which has attracted more than 2.7 million customers to date, has undergone several improvements in the past year including the addition of a 300-seat buffet, a 100-seat casual dining restaurant, an 82-seat bar/lounge with high-tech sound and lights, and renovations to the grandstand and grounds.
About MTR Gaming Group
MTR Gaming Group, Inc. is a hospitality and gaming company that through subsidiaries owns and operates Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack Resort in Chester, West Virginia; Presque Isle Downs Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania; and Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, please visit www.mtrgaming.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the statements made to be incorrect. Those risks and uncertainties include factors described in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. The cautionary advice in this paragraph is permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
For More Information Please Contact:
Fred A. Buro
Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
fburo@mtrgaming.com
732.232.6000
www.mtrgaming.com